MADQuantum-CM reaches its closure, consolidating the Community of Madrid as a national and international reference in quantum technologies. The project has combined research in cryptography, communications, and quantum processing with knowledge transfer actions and support for entrepreneurship.
The success of the initiative lies in the broad consortium of entities that compose it, including the Spanish Metrology Center, the Vithas Foundation, the IMDEA Networks and IMDEA Software institutes, the National Institute for Aerospace Technology, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. The latter coordinated the project in the region, which was part of the Complementary Plan in Quantum Communication, also coordinated by UPM at the national level together with ICFO.
Among its main achievements, the deployment of a quantum network in the region stands out, along with notable advances in secure communications and the development of new applications for quantum computing. All of this has contributed to the creation of an environment that integrates research, industry, and institutions to boost future quantum information networks, the basis of the so-called quantum internet.
MadQCI, the quantum network connecting Madrid
One of the most relevant milestones of the project has been the development of the MadQCI ecosystem, interconnected quantum network infrastructures in the Madrid metropolitan area. Its objective is to provide quantum connectivity to all public universities in the region, research centers, and other institutional headquarters, to test applications of quantum technologies such as ultra-secure communications, data protection in cloud environments, or connections with satellites.
In total, the infrastructure connects 30 locations through more than 700 kilometers of fiber optic links and has been interconnected with experimental networks of technology companies such as Indra and Telefónica Innovación Digital, positioning Madrid as a strategic node in quantum network technologies and their application in cybersecurity in Europe, in line with the EuroQCI initiative.
Map of the quantum network infrastructures (QCI) promoted in the Community of Madrid, called the MadQCI ecosystem.
Technological advances with real impact
The project has achieved innovations throughout the entire quantum communications cycle, from physical devices to their network management. It is worth noting the integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, a technology that allows protecting communications also from other quantum or disruptive technologies. QKD systems from all manufacturers in the European ecosystem have been integrated. Progress in quantum satellite links within the Q ANSER mission has also been key, including polarization tracking systems qualified for space, and complex network control tools.
In parallel, the project has promoted advances in quantum information processing, with applications in computing, sensing, and future distributed networks. For example, the Spanish Metrology Center has created an optical frequency quantum standard with the potential to distribute ultra-precise and more secure time signals through the fiber optic network. Likewise, algorithms and techniques based on artificial intelligence have been implemented to optimize quantum systems, with milestones such as the estimation of gravitational wave parameters through quantum computing and the improvement of circuits on real hardware.
From research to use cases
One of the differentiating aspects of MADQuantum-CM has been its orientation toward technology transfer and validation in real environments. Among its most important demonstrators are the secure connection between hospitals of the Vithas group and projects with Banco Santander, integrating advanced cryptography and digital services in operational scenarios.
In addition, the "MADQ Business Venture" program has been promoted, aimed at fostering new business initiatives in the quantum field and strengthening the industrial ecosystem. It has combined competitions to give visibility to innovative solutions from startups and spin-offs with specialized training.
With these achievements, MADQuantum-CM leaves as a legacy an operational infrastructure, advanced technological capabilities, and a collaboration network that integrates research, industry, and institutions. Madrid thus takes a decisive step toward secure communications and the future quantum internet in Spain and Europe.