First Successful Trials of Quantum Communication in Lithuania for Secure Data Transmission

For the first time in Lithuania, the country’s three leading universities – Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Vilnius University (VU), and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) – in collaboration with Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) and business partner “Skaidula” UAB, have successfully tested quantum communication technology designed to ensure highly secure, unhackable data transmission.

Vilnius and Kaunas universities tested a prototype quantum communication system that transmits encryption keys for secure data channels. This pilot project was developed using the cutting-edge Clavis XG technology from "ID Quantique" (IDQ), which was provided by PSNC.

Why is this technology significant for users in Lithuania?

Quantum communication enables the implementation of a unique encryption algorithm that ensures the fully secure exchange of symmetric encryption and decryption keys. Successful testing of this technology strengthens Lithuania’s involvement in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) strategy, enhancing the country’s international standing and strategic importance.

“The development of quantum networks is a critical step in Lithuania’s scientific and technological advancement, as it reinforces our global competitiveness and the ability to leverage the security potential of quantum communication in the digital economy of the future,” said KTU Rector Eugenijus Valatka.

In quantum communication, the sender and receiver establish a secure quantum link, generate encryption keys, and exchange them through a quantum communication channel. By employing specialised encryption devices or even traditional equipment with advanced encryption algorithms, data transmission between the sender and receiver becomes impenetrable.

This high level of security is rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics, which allow data to be transmitted via highly sensitive quantum particles – photons – that react instantly to any external interference. For this reason, any malicious attempt to intercept the encryption key becomes detectable, rendering traditional cyberattack methods ineffective in decrypting the transmitted data.

“Quantum communication and its technological principles are crucial for safeguarding data transmission networks and the information they transmit in today’s climate of escalating cyber threats. The core advantage of quantum communication lies in the unique entanglement of quantum particles, the ability to detect any intervention in the data transmission channel, and the prevention of data interception,” explained Arūnas Stašionis, Chairperson of the Board of the Lithuanian Research and Education Network (LITNET) and Director of the VU Information Technology Service Center.

What does this mean for Lithuanian universities?

“We have to admit that Lithuania has been slow in recognising the necessity for quantum communication technologies and to start applying them. However, this successful testing demonstrated our academic and scientific progress, highlighting Lithuania’s ability to keep pace with the most advanced European countries. Moving forward, we aim for even closer collaboration between universities so that quantum technologies – both communication and simulation-based computing – become an integral part of academic life,” said Arvydas Žiliukas, a representative of the LITNET administration and Director of KTU’s Department of Information Technology.

Prof. Šarūnas Grigaliūnas, Head of the KTU Cybersecurity Competence Center, emphasised the inclusion of the post-quantum resilience project, QUARTIC, in the Lithuanian Roadmap for Research as of 20 December 2024. This recognition underscores the university’s commitment to enhancing national resilience against post-quantum threats and facilitating innovative solutions in cybersecurity.

“We are delighted to note that quantum initiatives in Lithuania are gaining momentum. This marks a new chapter in the long-term partnership between PIONIER (the Polish National Research and Education Network) and LITNET. We look forward to joining forces and advancing quantum technology research together,” said Robert Pękal, Director of PSNC.

Arūnas Stašionis, Director of the VU Information Technology Service Center, also highlighted the direct benefits of these initiatives for both research and education. According to him, such advancements open up opportunities to launch new study programmes, enabling students to deepen their knowledge in this field through cooperation with other higher education institutions across the European Union (EU).

LITNET, the Lithuanian Research and Education Network, connects the IT networks of academic, research, and educational institutions while providing high-speed data transmission and wireless access, as well as electronic identity, cloud computing, and IT security services in Lithuania. As part of the Gigabit European Academic Network (GÉANT), LITNET is one of the pioneers and key implementers of quantum technologies. Once quantum encryption is fully integrated, LITNET will ensure the highest level of security for data transfers within its network.

The European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) is a strategic initiative aimed at developing a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning the entire EU, including its overseas territories. By integrating quantum technologies into existing communication infrastructures, the project aims to provide an additional security layer based on the principles of quantum physics. EuroQCI was launched in 2019 with the adoption of the EuroQCI Declaration, initially signed by seven EU member states. Over time, all EU member states, including Lithuania, have joined the initiative.