Romanian Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technologies enhancing cybersecurity kicks off in Bucharest

RExQTCS – the Romanian Center of Excellence in Quantum Technologies Enhancing Cybersecurity kicked off on Monday in the prsence of Chairman of the National Research Authority (ANC) Andrei Alexandru, according to Agerpres.

”The development of quantum computing is already changing the way communication security is thought, and the initiative proposes a direct link between frontier research in classical and post-quantum cryptography and the development of applied solutions, adapted to an increasingly exposed digital environment”, the National Research Authority says in a social media post.

Coordinated by the Politehnica University of Bucharest, the consortium brings together universities from Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Craiova, configuring a solid base of expertise and infrastructure, namely the Polytechnic University of Timisoara, the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, the Vest University of Timisoara, the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi and the University of Craiova.

Funded by the National Research Authority, under UEFISCDI, with approximately RON 86 million in the competition of centres of excellence, the project undertakes the development of a community capable of using these technologies responsibly, from research to concrete applications.

‘In this context, RExQTCS functions as a meeting point between academia, the public system and the economic environment, at a time when the ability to anticipate technological transformations is becoming essential for the security and competitiveness of a society,’ according to ANC.

While the global race for quantum supremacy is dominated by tech giants in Silicon Valley and research hubs in China, Romania is quietly carving out its own niche. Through a combination of strategic European partnerships, high-level academic research, and a burgeoning tech sector, the country is positioning itself as a vital player in the future of quantum information science.

The cornerstone: RoNaQCI and the European connection

The most significant milestone in recent years is Romania’s active participation in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). The national initiative, known as RoNaQCI (Romanian National Quantum Communication Infrastructure), aims to develop a secure quantum communication network spanning the country.

This project is not merely theoretical; it involves the deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) nodes in major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași. By leveraging quantum mechanics to encrypt data, Romania is building a “bulletproof” digital shield for its critical infrastructure, from banking sectors to governmental communications.

Academic hubs: leading the research

The University of Bucharest and the Polytechnic University of Bucharest have emerged as the primary engines of quantum research. These institutions are currently hosting several projects funded by the European Commission’s Quantum Flagship initiative.

Researchers in Romania are focusing on:

• Quantum Cryptography: Developing algorithms that can withstand the immense processing power of future quantum computers.

• Quantum Materials: Investigating new physical substrates that can maintain “qubit” stability at higher temperatures.

• Quantum Software: Creating the middleware necessary to translate classical logic into quantum operations.

The ELI-NP synergy

A unique advantage for Romania is the ELI-NP (Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics) facility in Măgurele. As the world’s most powerful laser system, it provides a playground for high-intensity physics that intersects with quantum theory. Experiments conducted here regarding light-matter interaction are essential for developing future quantum sensors and high-precision measurement tools.

Public-private partnerships: the 2026 landscape

As of 2026, the landscape has evolved from purely academic interest to industrial application. Several Romanian IT clusters have started collaborating with IBM and Google through cloud-based quantum services. This allows local developers to run “hybrid” algorithms—using classical computers for data processing and quantum processors for complex optimization problems.

Challenges: the brain drain and the talent gap

Despite the technical successes, Romania faces a significant challenge: retaining talent. The “brain drain” of specialized physicists to Western Europe and the U.S. remains a hurdle. To combat this, the Romanian government has introduced dedicated grants for “Quantum Excellence,” aimed at funding young researchers who choose to stay and develop their projects in local laboratories.

Furthermore, the integration of quantum mechanics into the national STEM curriculum is a priority for 2026. Education officials believe that training the next generation of “quantum-native” programmers is the only way to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

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