Strategic partnership unveiled at MWC Barcelona 2026 introduces cross carrier QKD connectivity between Amsterdam, London, and Brussels to safeguard financial data against emerging quantum threats

Switzerland has detailed a national strategy to maintain its position as a leader in the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, as outlined in the Swiss Quantum Strategy published this week by experts from the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). The document, commissioned by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, recognizes the need for coordinated action between science, business, and government to capitalize on the growing global investment in quantum technologies, where over 200 research groups are currently active within the country. While acknowledging a gap between research and startup activity, the strategy proposes creating a national quantum hub and investing between 200 and 300 million CHF to foster innovation. The experts emphasized that the area of quantum research and technologies is still at a level where research into a variety of approaches can lead to significant developments, underscoring the importance of continued interdisciplinary research.

Toshiba Europe Limited today announced a new capability that enables the interconnection of geographically separated quantum key distribution (QKD) networks without the need for additional hardware. This capability allows network operators to offer their customers global quantum‑resistant connectivity, enhancing protection of sensitive data against retrospective decryption by future quantum computers.

The research consortium Q-net-Q, led by Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and with participation of Fraunhofer HHI (Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut) and Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF), demonstrated the successful implementation of a quantum infrastructure under real operational conditions after a period of more than three years. Several aspects of a QKD-secured network were highlighted in the final presentation.

The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has concluded a series of trials aimed at developing next-generation atomic clock technology for military applications. Published on February 18, 2026, the initiative focuses on improving Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) resilience for UK forces, providing a fallback for satellite-based systems like GPS, which are susceptible to jamming or denial. These clocks utilize light waves to energize atoms, creating a frequency reference significantly more stable and accurate than current standard military timing components.

Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, announced an investment of over $46.6 million for eight B.C. projects that accelerate defence innovation and help local businesses grow and integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains. These projects are part of Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and represent foundational investments in B.C.’s defence capabilities.

Partners in the IrelandQCI project successfully demonstrated quantum-secure communication at Dublin City Council headquarters today, as part of the project’s first engagement with a local authority.

The White House is reportedly drafting a sweeping executive order that would establish a whole-of-government strategy to coordinate federal investment, infrastructure, security and commercialization efforts across U.S. quantum technologies. The draft order directs OSTP, Commerce, Energy and Defense to update the National Quantum Strategy, launch a federally backed scientific quantum computer, expand quantum sensing and networking, and deepen partnerships with industry and allied nations. The proposal emphasizes workforce development, manufacturing capacity and counterintelligence protections for quantum research, while notably omitting provisions related to post-quantum cryptography and DHS oversight.

South Korea hopes to establish a quantum industry ecosystem and become one of the top global quantum chip manufacturers by 2035.

Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) and Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), members of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, introduced the bipartisan Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act. This bill will strengthen Long Island and our nation’s quantum computing hubs, enhance our national security and position the United States as a global leader in quantum computing, AI and technological innovation.