Metrosert is participating in a key European digital security project that represents a major step towards the implementation of quantum-secured communication in the Nordic and Baltic region.
The main objective of the NordicQCI project is to protect critical public infrastructures by securing their communications and data, particularly in situations where services are used cross-border in multiple Member States. To this end, quantum-secured connections will be established between Estonia and Finland, and between Finland and Sweden, using existing terrestrial and submarine fiber-optic cables connecting Tallinn, Helsinki, the Åland Islands and Stockholm. The infrastructure to be developed will enable reliable and resilient transmission of sensitive communications and data.
In addition, the Nordic quantum networks will be integrated with the EuroQCI Space Segment through an Optical Ground Station to be established in Stockholm. This will enable the testing and demonstration of the capabilities of Europe’s first quantum communication satellite, Eagle-1, in the Nordic environment.
The collaborative project brings together leading researchers, technology companies and research institutions from several EU Member States, combining efforts to achieve broad scientific, technological and industrial objectives. The project is coordinated by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Sweden’s national applied research organisation, and involves a total of ten partners. In addition to Metrosert, the consortium includes the State Infocommunication Foundation (RIKS) from Estonia, Ericsson AB, Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, CSC – IT Center for Science, the joint research and IT infrastructure organisation of the Finnish state and universities, the Finnish state research centre VTT, and others.
According to Mari Aru, Head of Metrosert’s Research and Development Division, participation in the NordicQCI project enables Metrosert to continue research focused on developing methods for testing and validating future quantum-secured communication networks, in cooperation with partners in Finland and Sweden.
“Since 2023, Metrosert has significantly expanded its expertise in the field of quantum communications through the EstQCI project. In the follow-up project NordicQCI, testing cross-border networks and gaining exposure to satellite communication technologies is particularly important for us, as these are key components of future pan-European quantum-secure networks,” she said.
The project runs until 30 June 2029 and has a total budget of nearly €10 million. The initiative is funded under the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme and represents an important step in the development of the pan-European quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI).
The research and infrastructure project builds on national EuroQCI initiatives implemented between 2023 and 2025 in Estonia, Finland and Sweden, and lays the foundation for a pan-European quantum-secured communication network that combines both fiber-based and satellite solutions, in order to enhance the security and crisis resilience of Europe’s digital infrastructure.
More information about the NordicQCI project: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/43251567/101249648