On 3 March 2025, QIA members flew to Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) – the biggest event related to technology, connectivity, and telecommunications – to network and engage with visitors from across the globe as part of the Quantum Europe space.

MCW25 was held in Barcelona from 3-6 March, and it featured a hall fully dedicated to quantum technologies in Europe, organised by Quantum Flagship, with more than 10 booths from European companies and initiatives. At the QIA booth, we exhibited two key pieces of quantum hardware: a Diamond Processor that can be used as a qubit to process quantum information, and a Quantum Memory Crystal doped with rare-earth ions, where quantum light can be stored and retrieved on demand (courtesy of QIA partner ICFO).

One of the highlights was the live demonstrations of the Quantum Network Explorer (QNE) – the world’s first open, international, and accessible platform for quantum network technologies- allowing attendees to explore the possibilities of quantum networking with real-time demonstrations.

QIA also played a key role in the Quantum Flagship stand’s talk series, where leading experts shared insights into the latest developments. The lineup of speakers included:

• Hugues de Riedmatten (ICFO) – An overview of QIA’s vision and mission to build the European quantum internet.

• Ingrid Romijn (Q*BIRD) – Cutting-edge quantum network equipment and its transformative potential.

• Isabelle Riou (Welinq) – Innovative solutions to interconnect quantum processors, advancing the capabilities of quantum computing and networking.

A major moment of recognition came when Henna Virkunnen, Vice-President for Tech, Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy at the European Commission, visited the QIA booth. Welcoming her were Hugues de Riedmatten, ICREA Professor and Leader of the Quantum Photonics with Solids and Atoms Group at ICFO, and Vlora Rexhepi-van der Pol, QIA Innovation Manager. Her visit underscored the growing political and institutional support for quantum network technologies as a cornerstone of Europe’s digital future. Another remarkable visit was from the Hong Kong delegation, including Professor Dong Sun, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, along with representatives from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and various tech ventures.

Beyond the Quantum Europe space, QIA stepped onto the prestigious GSMA stage, where experts discussed quantum internet applications for telecommunications. This high-profile opportunity underscored the critical role of quantum technologies in shaping the future of secure and efficient global communications.

QIA’s successful participation at MWC25 reinforces its position as a quantum internet research and development pioneer. With increasing industry and governmental interest, QIA continues to lead the way toward a secure and interconnected quantum internet, bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.