A consortium of university, industry and public actors equips Geneva with its first quantum communication network.
On the occasion of the Swiss Quantum Industry Day, a consortium comprising the University of Geneva (UNIGE), CERN, HEPIA, ID Quantique, Rolex and the Cantonal Office for Information Systems and Digital Technology (OCSIN) announced the launch of a Geneva-based quantum network, the Geneva Quantum Network (GQN). Inaugurated in the presence of State Councillor Delphine Bachmann, this new infrastructure will enable large-scale quantum physics experiments to be conducted, promote collaboration in quantum technologies and highlight their potential through education and awareness-raising. It will strengthen Geneva's expertise in this field, which is already internationally recognised.
By exploiting the properties of superposition and entanglement of light particles, photons, quantum physics opens up new prospects for telecommunication, particularly in terms of ultra-secure data transfer, as well as for metrology, with ultra-precise time measurements. Having dedicated networks is an essential step in experimenting with and developing these technologies in real-world conditions.
The GQN will enable the region to play a key role in the global development of quantum technologies.
To address the many challenges posed by this technology, UNIGE, CERN, HEPIA, ID Quantique and Rolex are launching the GQN, Switzerland's first quantum network. Based on the OCSIN fibre optic network, this 262 km infrastructure will connect the various partners and draw on Geneva's expertise in the field of quantum technologies, particularly for communication, metrology and synchronisation. There are four main objectives:
• Scientific progress: exploring the capabilities and benefits of quantum communication and sensing through their deployment in real-world fibre optic network environments.
• Education and training: preparing the next generation of engineers and professionals for emerging opportunities in quantum networks and high-tech sectors.
• Coordination and visibility: establishing a focal point in Geneva for quantum networking activities, thereby highlighting the city's quantum ecosystem and strengthening its international visibility.
• Public engagement: promoting dialogue and awareness at multiple levels, so that society is informed about important developments in quantum science and equipped to make science-based decisions.
"The launch of the GQN is a magnificent example of the impact that public-private partnerships can have. Collaboration between government, academia and business facilitates and accelerates the development of innovative projects,'' says Delphine Bachmann, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Economy and Employment. ''Quantum technologies have immense potential to bring about solutions that will enable the industrial sector to become even more dynamic."
A genuine platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and skills development, the GQN will enable the region to play a key role in the global development of quantum technologies. The first steps aim to distribute entangled photons between UNIGE, CERN and HEPIA, as well as to deploy cryptographic systems known as 'quantum key distribution' (QKD) by ID Quantique.
The GQN will also enable the distribution of ultra-precise time signals, which are crucial for communications but also for fundamental time measurement, thanks to the White Rabbit synchronisation systems developed by CERN at all nodes or 'stations' in the network. Rolex also provides ultra-precise time signals generated by its latest-generation optical rubidium atomic clock. HEPIA will install a distributed temperature sensor along the network fibres, whose high spatial resolution is made possible using single photon detectors.
