The European Commission is investing €47.5 million in the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) to build a complete prototype of a full-stack quantum internet. Over the next 42 months, the consortium of over 50 institutions will focus on interconnecting metropolitan-scale quantum networks using quantum repeaters, a key step toward large-scale quantum communications.
“Over the past years, we have developed the core building blocks of a quantum internet,” says QIA Director Stephanie Wehner, “Our mission in this next phase is to integrate these components into a full stack quantum internet prototype.” The program aims to establish open-access infrastructure and strengthen Europe’s position in the emerging quantum ecosystem.
€47.5 Million Funds QIA’s Full-Stack Quantum Network Prototype
The European Commission is directing €47.5 million toward the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) to demonstrate interconnection between two metropolitan-scale quantum networks. This milestone, achieved via long-distance fiber links and quantum repeaters, represents a critical step toward realizing large-scale quantum communications infrastructure. The funding, formalized through a Specific Grant Agreement, will support QIA’s research and development efforts over the next 42 months, building on work completed between October 2022 and March 2026.
QIA’s focus extends beyond network interconnection to encompass the development of a fully programmable quantum network prototype. This prototype is intended to run actual quantum network applications, and the program will establish pilot facilities and open-access infrastructure for researchers, developers and startups.
The consortium, comprised of over 50 institutions across 12 European member states, will also prioritize advancing quantum network use cases and supporting collaboration between existing quantum internet initiatives throughout Europe. Wehner stated that Europe is currently a leader in quantum internet efforts worldwide, and that the resulting prototype may be the first of its kind. She further explained that continued success depends on empowering QIA’s startups to move beyond research and development toward the realization of proof-of-concept applications.
“But to remain ahead, it is critically important that in addition to the second phase of this R&D project, QIA’s startups can now move to the realization of proof-of-concept use cases. We also need to empower the ecosystem by making open access facilities available and further strengthen Europe’s technological capabilities, creating the conditions for a vibrant quantum ecosystem that can compete globally,” Wehner concluded.
Over the past years, we have developed the core building blocks of a quantum internet. Our mission in this next phase is to integrate these components into a full stack quantum internet prototype.
Stephanie Wehner, QIA Director
Source: https://qt.eu/news/2026/2026-10-08_QIA-enters-new-phase-to-build-full-stack-quantum-networks
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