SK Telecom (SKT) is set to participate in the European Union's Horizon Europe research and development program to advance next-generation quantum cryptography technology.
On June 9, SKT announced the launch of a project under Horizon Europe aimed at developing a next-generation quantum key distribution (QKD) system. The project will span three years and includes collaboration with the National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos in Greece, the Austrian Institute of Technology, and the German semiconductor startup Sinogate UG.
Horizon Europe is a major EU research fund with a total budget of €95.5 billion (approximately $170 billion). South Korea became the first Asian country to join as an associate member last July, allowing it to receive research funding.
The project aims to implement a QKD system based on Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit-AI (QPIC-AI). QKD utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute encryption keys, providing immediate detection of any eavesdropping attempts, making it a leading technology for next-generation security.
SKT plans to enhance the miniaturization and stability of the QKD system by integrating photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology with artificial intelligence (AI). This approach aims to reduce construction costs and accelerate the commercialization of quantum cryptography technology.
Ryu Tak-ki, head of network technology at SKT, stated, "By developing a next-generation QKD system that combines PIC and AI, we aim to strengthen our competitiveness in the global quantum cryptography communication market."
In addition to SKT, KT and LG Uplus are also working on QKD development. KT is focusing on building a domestic ecosystem for core components through the independent development of QKD equipment. Meanwhile, LG Uplus showcased photonic transmission equipment utilizing post-quantum cryptography and a homomorphic encryption-based AI calling app at MWC 2026 held in March.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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