On November 4, 2025, HellasQCI, the National Quantum Communication Infrastructure for the protection of sensitive data and critical infrastructures, received First Prize in the category “Best New Idea” within the thematic field “In–house actions for the digital transformation of the Ministry of Digital Governance and its supervised bodies”.

The HellasQCI project, coordinated by GRNET – operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence – , with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, is a flagship project for Greece, integrated within the EuroQCI initiative for the development of a pan-European quantum communication network to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

This distinction represents a significant recognition for GRNET and all HellasQCI partners for the successful implementation of the National Quantum Infrastructure. It reflects the collective effort of academic institutions, research centers, technology organizations, and government bodies working together to establish a quantum-secure communication network for critical infrastructures and public services. The award ceremony, to be announced shortly by the Ministry of Digital Governance, will be presented by Mr. Dimosthenis Anagnostopoulos, Secretary–General for Information Systems and Digital Governance, as part of the 2024 Digital Governance Awards event.

As the project approaches completion in the coming months, Greece is already planning the next steps to leverage the expertise, results, and infrastructure of HellasQCI, strengthening the country’s pivotal role in quantum communication technologies in Southeast Europe. This goal will be achieved through the cross-border expansion of HellasQCI into new initiatives such as SEEWQCI (South-East Europe to Western Europe Quantum Communication Infrastructure) and TransEuroOGS (Trans-European Optical Ground Stations), both starting in 2026 and advancing towards the creation of a pan-European quantum communication network.

The HellasQCI award confirms the strategic importance of the project in shaping Greece’s national quantum communication infrastructure and demonstrates how innovation, collaboration, and vision can define the future of digital security at both the national and European level.

Read more about all the awards and winners of the “Digital Governance Awards 2024” here.

The official award announcement, has been published on Di@vgeia, and you can read it here