On April 21, 2026, five Spanish technology centres launched the ARQADE CERVERA Network of Excellence, a three-year initiative to develop quantum computing applications for defense. The network built on the earlier ARQA CERVERA Network (2023–2025) and was funded under Spain’s CERVERA program for technology centres.
The consortium comprised CTIC (Gijón), EURECAT (Catalonia), ITG (A Coruña), ITI (Valencia), and the AIR Institute (Salamanca), bringing together nearly 50 specialized researchers with backing from 39 companies and institutions in the defense and quantum technology sectors. CTIC coordinated the network scientifically, contributing one of Europe’s most advanced quantum simulators.
The network’s work program focused on practical quantum computing applications in real defense scenarios, including coordination of autonomous systems operating without GPS, protection of networks against advanced cyberattacks, and quantum key distribution for secure communications.