Geneva is stepping into the future of secure communication, today announcing the launch of Switzerland’s first dedicated, citywide quantum network. This landmark initiative, a collaboration between quantum computing leader IonQ and a powerful Swiss consortium including CERN and luxury watchmaker Rolex, promises to revolutionize data security and accelerate quantum research. By leveraging existing fiber optic infrastructure, the Geneva Quantum Network (GQN) will connect key institutions, enabling ultra-precise time distribution and pioneering experiments in quantum key distribution—laying the groundwork for unhackable communications and a thriving quantum technology ecosystem.
Geneva Quantum Network Launch & Partners
Geneva is now home to the first citywide dedicated quantum network, the Geneva Quantum Network (GQN), launched through a landmark partnership led by IonQ and a consortium of Swiss institutions. This public-private initiative unites world-renowned organizations including CERN, Rolex SA, the University of Geneva, and the Swiss government, aiming to advance research and innovation in quantum cybersecurity and communications. Leveraging hundreds of kilometers of existing fiber optic infrastructure, the GQN will distribute ultra-precise time signals – provided by Rolex’s advanced atomic clocks and CERN’s White Rabbit system – crucial for secure communications and fundamental time measurement. Early experiments will focus on transferring entangled photons between UNIGE, CERN, and HEPIA, while HEPIA will also deploy a unique distributed temperature sensor utilizing the network’s fibers. This launch builds on IonQ’s broader strategy of establishing quantum hubs globally, following similar initiatives in Italy, Oxford, and Korea.
Network Infrastructure and Key Technologies
Geneva, Switzerland is now home to the world’s first citywide dedicated quantum network, the Geneva Quantum Network (GQN), a landmark initiative spearheaded by IonQ and a consortium of Swiss institutions including CERN and Rolex. This network leverages hundreds of kilometers of existing fiber optic infrastructure to connect key academic, government, and industry partners, focusing on advancements in quantum cybersecurity and communication. Crucially, the GQN utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as IDQ’s quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, CERN’s White Rabbit synchronization for ultra-precise time signals, and atomic clocks from Rolex to ensure accurate data transmission. Early experiments will focus on distributing entangled photons between the University of Geneva, CERN, and HEPIA, paving the way for real-world applications of quantum information transfer and solidifying IonQ’s growing global quantum ecosystem – building on similar initiatives in Italy, Oxford, and Korea.
Expanding IonQ’s Global Quantum Strategy
IonQ is aggressively expanding its global quantum strategy beyond the United States, most recently demonstrated through the launch of the Geneva Quantum Network (GQN) in partnership with a Swiss consortium including CERN and Rolex. This citywide, dedicated quantum network leverages hundreds of kilometers of existing fiber optic infrastructure to connect key academic, governmental, and industrial players, fostering research in quantum cybersecurity and communications. The GQN initiative builds upon IonQ’s existing international efforts, including establishing a quantum hub in Italy via the Q-Alliance, designating Oxford as its EMEA headquarters, and securing a partnership with Korea’s National Quantum Center of Excellence. By integrating quantum computing with networking and sensing technologies—as exemplified by the GQN’s use of IDQ’s QKD systems and Rolex’s atomic clocks—IonQ aims to build scalable quantum infrastructure and expand its ecosystem across diverse economic sectors.
