The MADQuantum-CM project has come to a close, positioning the Community of Madrid as an international benchmark in quantum technologies. The success of the initiative lies in the broad consortium of entities that compose it, including the Spanish Metrology Center (Centro Español de Metrología), the Vithas Foundation, the institutes IMDEA Networks and IMDEA Software, the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial), the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). The latter coordinated the project in the region, which was part of the Complementary Plan in Quantum Communication, also coordinated by UPM at the national level alongside ICFO.
One of the milestones of this project has been the development of MadQCI, a network of interconnected quantum infrastructures in the metropolitan area of Madrid. The objective of this fiber network is to provide quantum connectivity to the public universities in the region, research centers, and institutional headquarters, with the purpose of testing critical applications such as ultra-secure communications, data protection in cloud environments, or satellite connections.
The REDIMadrid team, integrated within the IMDEA Software research institute, played a significant role in the implementation of this telecommunications infrastructure, which currently allows the connection of a total of 30 locations through more than 700 kilometers of fiber optic links. This backbone network successfully integrated public centers and interconnected with the experimental networks of technology companies such as Indra and Telefónica Innovación Digital, positioning Madrid as a strategic node in cybersecurity within the European EuroQCI initiative.
Research and cybersecurity for the quantum era
Beyond the physical deployment of the network, the REDIMadrid team contributed its expertise to the quantum communications cycle and cybersecurity, a critical area in the face of the arrival of the new computing paradigm. To this end, they worked on control tools for complex networks and on the integration of Quantum Key Distribution systems (referred to as QKD), an essential technology for protecting communications against future cyber threats.
The project has also stood out for its application in real environments. Among its most important agents are the secure connection between hospitals of the Vithas group and projects with Banco Santander, integrating advanced cryptography into their operational services. Likewise, through the “MADQ Business Venture” program, the business fabric has been boosted by supporting startups and spin-offs in the quantum sector.
The conclusion of MADQuantum-CM establishes REDIMadrid as a key scientific asset for IMDEA Software. Moving forward, the focus shifts to scaling these technologies, bringing Spain a step closer to a secure quantum internet and reinforcing Europe’s digital defense.
Proyecto MADQuantum-CM, financiado por la Comunidad de Madrid y por el Plan de Recuperación Transformación y Resiliencia, financiado por la Unión Europea – NextGenerationEU
