PQ-NEXT Welcomes Fall with its fourth General Assembly Meeting in Athens, Greece!
As we slowly enter our second year, our fourth General Assembly Meeting served as an introduction to the tools that we are developing, the methodologies to be implemented and the solutions needed for the smooth transition to the quantum era. With the wonderful hospitality of the Municipality of Egaleo, we gathered at their premises on 28-29 September 2026 in Athens, Greece, to discuss our progress, review the latest developments across the project’s solutions, and look ahead to the next steps.
But as we reflect back on our meeting, we wonder, “How is PQ-NEXT turning its research into solutions for the post-quantum transition? And how far have we reached?” A successful transition to post-quantum security requires more than adopting new cryptographic algorithms: it requires a clear understanding of existing infrastructures, risks, requirements and the different factors that can influence the migration process.
The PQ-NEXT PQC Algorithm Catalogue focuses on monitoring the current status, maturity, and development of quantum-resistant technologies. So far, we have an initial segmentation of the task into “building blocks” the catalogue needs to cover. This segmentation allows us to begin working on different objectives of the tasks, but further refinements are expected. Partners are enriching the catalogue with updates, and right now those updates have mostly happened at the algorithm specification level. As for the maintenance tools, they aim to support the PQC Migration Toolbox. Cryptographic inventory tooling and compliance auditing have been built as a server-client application. We are also designing and implementing an efficient quantum software stack, while analysing concepts and methods for a post-quantum programming suite.
One of the most important aspects of the project’s solutions is their validation in real-life pilots. We thoroughly presented and discussed all four pilots, including their progress and next steps before implementation. All pilots have their scenarios ready, and we are analysing the initial requirements.
- Pilot 1: Secure Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography in Financial Environments
- Pilot 2: Quantum-secure orchestration on a Telco Network
- Pilot 3: Application of Quantum-Resistant Crypto to Critical Infrastructure deployments
- Pilot 4: Quantum-Safe Digital Documents and Identity for Municipality Services of Aigaleo using Quantum-Safe Blockchain and EBSI Integration
However, technology is not the only important aspect in the post-quantum transition. Organisations also need to understand the legal, regulatory and organisational implications of migration. The PQ-NEXT project also emphasises this. Mapping the regulatory framework around migration needs, with a specific focus on ensuring appropriate data flow integrated with cybersecurity compliance, has already started, and the map will continue to be enriched throughout the project’s duration. The PQ-NEXT team has thoroughly discussed and researched AI, data, and the consequences.
Of course, none of this work would ever reach our community without communication, dissemination, and exploitation. Strong online presence, scientific and awareness publications, key exploitable results and stakeholder engagement were topics that were presented, and more efforts will be put in place as the project results become more mature.
The progress achieved so far provides a strong foundation for the coming months. We look forward to bringing different results together, testing them under realistic conditions, and continuing to turn the project’s research into solutions that can smooth and secure the post-quantum transition.
Join our quantum world and stay tuned!