Promoted by a team of the University of Vigo with long-standing experience in integrated photonics, quantum criptography and space communications, the Center for Quantum Communications Technology, QCTech, will be formally established during 2021. The research center is expected to develop theoretical and experimental work in quantum communications, applied to both aerospace and terrestrial.

R&D efforts of the QCTech will be initially oriented to Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in both wired and free space communications, with special focus on SatCom and aerial vehicles, including experimental testbeds. Integrated photonics, as a key enabling technology, will play an essential role in the development of QKD technology. DRIVE-In, ESRs will apply the knowledge and experiments developed around QKD, for industrial applications using integrated photonics.