Technology Centres Accelerate Advances in Quantum Computing
Every 14th of April marks World Quantum Day, a key date to reflect on the importance of this discipline and its applications in our society.
In 2025, this celebration takes on special significance, as the year has been declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology—a unique opportunity to highlight the advances and benefits this technology brings to the world.
The Fedit Technology Centres, of which the AIR Institute is a member, play a crucial role in the development, research, and application of quantum technologies across strategic sectors. Through various projects and activities, these Centres make a decisive contribution to the transfer of technology and knowledge to the business fabric and society at large.
Quantum Science and Technology has a cross-cutting impact on multiple areas and sectors—from computing to cryptography, as well as improvements in sensors, telecommunications, and new materials. The Centres affiliated with the Spanish Federation of Technology Centres (Fedit) are working on cutting-edge initiatives that enable companies to innovate and enhance their competitiveness, ensuring that scientific research is translated into tangible solutions for future challenges.
Quantum Shield: post quantum security
In this regard, the celebration of World Quantum Day within the framework of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology presents an excellent opportunity to highlight the work carried out by Technology Centres.
At AIR Institute, we contribute to research through the launch of projects in various technologies, including quantum. That’s why we support initiatives such as Quantum Shield, a project focused on post-quantum security and quantum machine learning to enhance cybersecurity in smart manufacturing environments within Industry 4.0. Quantum Shield emerges as a pioneering solution to protect smart manufacturing settings against the most advanced threats.
Quantum Shield combines the best of post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and quantum machine learning (QML) to address the challenges posed by the quantum era and generative artificial intelligence.
The aim is to develop tools that not only prevent quantum attacks but also identify and respond effectively to distributed threats such as traditional and AI-enhanced DDoS attacks. Quantum Shield is aligned with the RIS3 strategy of Castilla y León and Priority 3: smart manufacturing and cybersecurity, ensuring that companies in the region are well-prepared to face future challenges using cutting-edge technologies.
Projects like Quantum Shield reinforce our commitment to innovation and science. We bring together post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and quantum machine learning to anticipate and mitigate attacks in Industry 4.0.