FranceQCI, which is part of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative, is garnering support from industry, quantum startups, academic and institutional players, including Airbus, CNRS, Cryptonext Security, Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile, Orange, Sorbonne Université, Telecom Paris, Thales, Thales Alenia Space, Université Côte d’Azur, Veriqloud and Welinq. he French civil aviation authority that provides air traffic control service (Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne - DSNA), joins the project as a public institution to allow the consortium to test realistic use-cases. Orange has been appointed coordinator of FranceQCI consortium.
FranceQCI’s will test quantum communication technologies and integrate them into existing communication networks in France. FranceQCI will capitalize on existing infrastructures in the Paris (ParisRegionQCI) and Nice (Quantum@UCA/Nice) areas to progress towards operational Quantum Key Distribution (so called QKD) services and contribute to the development of the European technological autonomy. A quantum network will also be implemented in Toulouse (in DGAC/DSNA/DTI lab) to test a real end-user service for the French Civil Aviation Authority. It will consist of exchanging simulated operational air traffic control data secured by QKD.
"The FranceQCI consortium’s objective is to drive a significant impulse towards a European quantum communication infrastructure that will be able to safeguard sensitive data and critical communications for governmental institutions, data centers, hospitals, energy grids, and more. We are delighted to benefit from fundings from the European Union through the Digital Europe Program to contribute to one of the main pillars of the EU’s cybersecurity strategy.” says Michaël Trabbia, EVP, CEO Orange Wholesale, and interim Orange Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, representing all members of the France QCI consortium.
