Telefónica and the Polytechnic University of Madrid have established a new Joint Research Unit focused on quantum technologies, strengthening a collaboration of over a decade in advanced communications. This initiative comes at a time when Europe is aiming to gain independence in critical digital infrastructure. The unit will be based at the Higher Technical School of Computer Engineers at UPM and will be linked to the Quantum Information Group, GIICC.
But the move is not solely academic. Quantum communications have become a strategic area for protecting networks, data, and infrastructure against future threats—such as the potential for sufficiently powerful quantum computers to compromise today’s cryptographic algorithms. For operators, government agencies, banking, defense, energy, or data centers, the question is no longer if they should prepare, but when and how to start.
A partnership to transition from lab to real networks
The new joint unit between Telefónica and UPM aims to consolidate and expand a relationship that has already participated in many major European quantum communication projects since 2016. These include initiatives like CIVIQ, OPENQKD, DISCRETION, and EuroQCI-Spain—all related to deploying, validating, or developing secure communication technologies based on quantum principles.
The agreement was signed by Óscar García Suárez, Rector of UPM, and Juan José Marfil Márquez, Head of Network, IT, and TV at Telefónica. This is the second Joint Research Unit between the two entities, following one focused on data communications. Such units enable companies and public research organizations to work as a single team on projects funded by the European Union, especially in areas where technology transfer is as important as basic research.
The collaboration also connects with international standardization efforts, particularly within ETSI, the European Telecom Standards Organization. Its Quantum Key Distribution working group develops interface specifications, security requirements for implementation, and optical characterization of QKD systems—necessary pieces to ensure these technologies can be deployed beyond laboratory environments with confidence.
In practice, the challenge of quantum communications is not just demonstrating secure key distribution between two points. The real hurdle lies in integrating this capability into existing fiber networks, operations centers, management systems, commercial services, and interoperability standards. Without standards, field testing, and collaboration among universities, operators, and specialized companies, the technology risks remaining as pilots with no continuity.
EuroQCI and European digital sovereignty
The new JRU arrives amid the construction of EuroQCI, the European quantum communication infrastructure promoted by the European Commission in partnership with member states and the European Space Agency. The goal is to create a secure network that combines terrestrial links—mainly fiber-optic—and space segments via satellites. This infrastructure is part of Europe’s strategy to protect sensitive communications and enhance digital sovereignty.
Spain participates through EuroQCI-Spain, proposing an initial national architecture with nodes in Madrid and Barcelona, along with field demonstrations of QKD systems and cryptography. The aim is to develop a network capable of connecting strategic sites and preparing for future national and cross-border extensions.
Telefónica and UPM have played a significant role in this journey. Telefónica has led the deployment of TEFQCI, one of the first experimental private fiber networks in Madrid dedicated to quantum communications, and has collaborated in the MADQCI ecosystem. UPM has acted as a leading research center and coordinated the complementary Quantum Communications plan.
This is crucial for Spain. For years, large parts of critical digital infrastructure have depended on technologies, providers, and standards dominated by non-European actors. In cloud computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence, external dependence is now a political and economic debate. Quantum communications offer a different opportunity: to participate early in designing, deploying, and standardizing a technology that could be key to secure networks in the coming decades.
It’s important not to overstate immediate possibilities. QKD and other quantum technologies still face challenges like cost, deployment complexity, integration with classical networks, and commercial maturity. Nevertheless, they hold strategic importance. If Europe wants to safeguard government, health, financial, or industrial communications in a post-quantum cryptography scenario, it must build its own capabilities, cultivate specialized talent, and develop pilots that do not rely solely on external suppliers.
Startups, SMEs, and specialized talent
The partnership between Telefónica and UPM also involves the innovative ecosystem through companies like Qoolnet, a UPM spin-off, and QCentroid, focused on platforms for accessing quantum computing. The presence of startups and SMEs is vital to ensure developments do not remain confined to research consortia or large operators. For technologies to reach the market, components, software, integration, security testing, and real-world use cases are all needed.
Juan José Marfil emphasized that the agreement highlights Telefónica’s innovative profile and its intention to be a gateway to digital technologies for companies, citizens, and public administrations. Óscar García Suárez, UPM Rector, positioned quantum technologies as a central part of a new technological era, highlighting the university’s role in transferring knowledge to industry.
The core message is clear: quantum communications cannot develop solely through public investment or university labs. They require operators capable of testing in real networks, universities training specialized profiles, companies creating products, and administrations acting as early adopters in environments prioritizing security.
For Telefónica, this JRU strengthens its role in advanced network technologies and keeps it close to European standards and pilot projects. For UPM, it consolidates a research line with direct industrial transfer. For Spain, it adds a piece to a still-developing quantum ecosystem, which already includes projects, companies, test nodes, and international collaboration.
The quantum race will not be settled in a single agreement or a single experimental network. Years of testing, funding, talent development, and gradual adoption are necessary. Initiatives like this help ensure Spain is not just a consumer of technology when quantum communications become critical but also an active participant in their design and deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Telefónica and UPM sign?
They created a new Joint Research Unit focused on quantum technologies, based at the Higher Technical School of Computer Engineers at UPM.
What is the purpose of quantum communications?
They aim to enhance security through technologies like quantum key distribution, especially useful for sensitive networks and critical environments.
What’s the connection between this agreement and EuroQCI?
Telefónica and UPM have contributed to European projects related to quantum communications, including EuroQCI-Spain, part of Europe’s effort to build a secure quantum communication infrastructure.
Why is this important for Spain?
It helps develop talent, test technology on real networks, and position Spain within Europe’s development of secure, sovereign communication infrastructures.
via: telefonica.com