ESA and FORTH to Host 7th Quantum Technology Conference in Heraklion, Crete

International Collaboration on Quantum Technologies for Space

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) are set to co-organize the 7th Quantum Technology Conference from October 7-9, 2025, in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. This biennial event, a significant gathering for the European quantum community, will take place at FORTH's premises in Heraklion, located at N. Plastira 100, Vasilika Voutwn, GR-70013.

The conference serves as a crucial platform for European institutions, the space industry, and academia involved in quantum technologies for space. It aims to promote scientific excellence and highlight cutting-edge technological achievements in the field.

Key Focus Areas and Objectives

The 7th Quantum Technology Conference will specifically address quantum technology applications in space. Discussions and presentations are expected to emphasize several key areas:

• New initiatives and international collaborations
• Quantum community goals
• New strategic challenges
• Technical developments and breakthroughs
• Emerging opportunities, both commercial and institutional

Previous editions of the conference have explored topics such as quantum sensing, quantum metrology, quantum cryptography, and quantum information processing, reflecting the latest advancements and their applications in space activities.

FORTH's Role and ESA's Quantum Vision

FORTH, recognized as a leading public research center in Greece and one of Europe's top research institutions, brings significant expertise in quantum technologies to the co-organization of this event. The foundation has established a Center for Quantum Science & Technologies (FORTH-QuTech), dedicated to fundamental quantum science and applied quantum technologies.

ESA has been actively engaged in quantum technology research since 2002, coordinating its efforts through the Quantum Technology Cross Cutting Initiative (QT-CCI). This initiative focuses on identifying strategic interests, boosting technology readiness levels (TRLs), and enabling in-orbit validation and demonstration (IOV/IOD) for quantum technologies. ESA's Agenda 2025 underscores the importance of quantum computing for translating big data into smart information and services. Furthermore, ESA is advancing space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, including the SAGA mission and the upcoming Eagle-1 satellite, in collaboration with the European Commission, to enhance secure communications.

Advancing Europe's Quantum Future

The conference provides a vital forum for networking among stakeholders and identifying promising areas for collaboration to implement quantum technologies in space applications. It underscores Europe's commitment to advancing its capabilities in this rapidly evolving scientific and technological domain.