France launched the FranceQCI project on April 18, 2023, as its national implementation of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative CNRS announcement on FranceQCI launch. The 30-month project aims to test quantum communication technologies and integrate them into existing French telecommunications networks.
FranceQCI involves a consortium including Orange, Thales, Airbus, quantum startups, research laboratories, and the Direction des services de la navigation aérienne. The project focuses on deploying experimental quantum key distribution networks, integrating post-quantum cryptography, and addressing interoperability challenges between quantum and classical communication systems.
The initiative is co-financed by the European Union as part of the EuroQCI program to build a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning all 27 member states. FranceQCI covers terrestrial backbone components and satellite-based secure connectivity managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.