QUTE.sk at OpenSlava 2026: Demonstrating Quantum-Secure Communication in Practice
On 14–15 October 2026, QUTE.sk took part in OpenSlava 2026 at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. The event brought together the technology community to explore emerging challenges in cybersecurity, including the impact of quantum technologies on secure communication.
QUTE.sk contributed to the programme with practical demonstrations and technical insights into Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), highlighting how quantum technologies can be integrated into existing communication networks. A central role in these activities was played by David Polzoni and Samuel Klement, who presented both the practical implementation of QKD systems and the broader steps towards building quantum-safe networks.
From quantum theory to practical applications
On 14 October, David Polzoni and Samuel Klement led the workshop “Quantum Key Distribution in Practice: Theory, Systems, and Applications.” The session introduced participants to the fundamentals of QKD, including quantum state preparation and measurement, key generation, error correction and privacy amplification.
Moving beyond theory, the workshop demonstrated how commercial QKD systems can be integrated into modern communication infrastructure. Participants explored the role of Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) and relevant ETSI standards, while live demonstrations using ID Quantique devices illustrated how quantum technologies can be applied in practice.
One of the highlights was a secure communication architecture integrating quantum-generated keys into a WireGuard-based VPN enhanced with post-quantum cryptography. Using the Jami communication platform, the demonstration showed how QKD-generated keys can support secure voice and video communication.
The session showed how QKD can complement conventional cryptographic approaches and post-quantum cryptography, offering a practical perspective on the development of layered security solutions for future communication networks.
Samuel Klement on the development of quantum-safe networks
The day after, Samuel Klement continued the discussion with his presentation, “Quantum-Safe Networks: From Quantum Key Distribution to Real-World Cybersecurity.” He addressed the practical requirements for deploying QKD beyond individual systems, covering national network architecture, commercial technologies, key management and standardisation.
These topics also connect directly to the development of Slovakia’s quantum communication infrastructure. Through his presentation, Samuel highlighted work relevant to skQCI, the Slovak initiative contributing to the development of experimental quantum communication infrastructure within the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) framework. This provided an opportunity to introduce the project’s context and objectives to a wider audience interested in cybersecurity, networking and quantum technologies.
By linking network-level implementation with real-world security requirements, the presentation demonstrated the importance of interoperability and the integration of QKD with existing communication technologies.
Sharing Slovak expertise in quantum communication
Alongside the workshop and presentation, at the QUTE.sk booth, David Polzoni and Samuel Klement further presented the work of the Research Center for Quantum Information at the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, including its contribution to advancing quantum communication and secure networking.
Beside the practical demonstrations, Mário Ziman, Chair of QUTE.sk’s Executive Committee, addressed the current hype surrounding quantum technologies in his talk, “Beyond the Quantum Hype: Understanding Threats and Opportunities in the Quantum Future.” He introduced a Quantum TOWS analysis framework to examine potential threats, vulnerabilities, strengths and opportunities associated with quantum technologies, highlighting the importance of understanding their implications for cybersecurity, industry and society.
Together, these contributions highlighted both the practical potential of QKD and QUTE.sk’s role in advancing quantum technologies and quantum-secure communication in Slovakia.
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