QCNA: Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications
The Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA) is Norway’s first dedicated research centre for quantum communications.
Funded by the Research Council of Norway and launched in May 2026, it is one of four national quantum technology centres. The centre is hosted by Simula UiB, in Bergen.
Learn more on the centre website.
The Primary Objective of the QCNA Centre is to build knowledge, competence and expertise in Norway for the design, implementation and evaluation of quantum communication networks, protocols and applications. The centre aims to deliver tangible outcomes, including test beds and validated solutions, that can provide secure, reliable and useful functionalities in the emerging era of quantum communications.
Secondary Objectives:
- Establish Norway’s first quantum communications experimental test bed
- Advance the mathematical and information-theoretic foundations for scalable, network-enabled distributed quantum applications
- Develop new quantum cryptographic primitives, protocols and applications beyond QKD, establishing their security foundations and practical relevance to emerging quantum communication networks
- Design and evaluate protocols and architectures of future hybrid classical-quantum networks
- Develop and deliver educational and upskilling training programmes on quantum communications for university students, early-career researchers and communications professionals across Norway
Partners
- Simula UiB
- SimulaMet
- NTNU
- SINTEF Digital
- Telenor R&I
- Aalborg University
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
- Toshiba Europe
