QUANTUM INDEX REPORT
9. Quantum Networking
Quantum internet and quantum networking are emerging frontiers in quantum information science. Quantum networking is the field of study and development focused on enabling that quantum internet. Quantum networks make the transmission of quantum information possible between devices and they allow the distribution of quantum entanglement.
Quantum networks will not replace classical communications or the classical internet however they have potential to offer novel functionalities such as more secure communication and the ability to connect quantum computers for enhanced computing power. Quantum Networking Testbeds play a crucial role in the development of quantum networking and, by extension, the quantum internet.
Currently, our data identifies 28 quantum networking testbeds in the US and Europe. Testbeds are essential for advancing quantum networking because they provide realistic environments in which to explore the performance, interoperability, and scalability of quantum components. Investments in testbeds are not merely about testing hardware, they also represent a commitment to advancing the foundational science and engineering needed for a transformative quantum era. Beyond technical development, testbeds also play a critical role in workforce training and industry engagement.
9.1. Quantum Networks
Quantum networks are emergent communication systems that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to transmit information in new ways. Just as the classical internet enabled email, video calls, and online banking, quantum networks aim to enable things we can’t yet do with classical networks, especially in security, computing, and sensing. Quantum networking has profound implications for national security, scientific discovery, and economic competitiveness[1].
Quantum networking refers to the tools, protocols, and systems that enable the transmission of quantum information between different devices or locations. It incorporates fiber optic cables, quantum repeaters to extend range, quantum routers, and the software layers needed to manage the system. The quantum internet is a closely related concept, it refers to the broader vision of what we can do once those quantum networks are built and scaled.
According to the 2024 report by the US National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (NQIAC), quantum networking capabilities will “play a role in US economic prosperity and national security” and continued investment in R&D of quantum networking is necessary also to clarify the magnitude of that role.[2]
In 2022, the European Commission supported the creation of the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) with €24 million in funding to build “a global quantum internet made in Europe”.[3] In March 2025, QIA announced the creation of “the first operating system designed for quantum networks” which will facilitate program applications for quantum networks.[4] The system is planned to be made accessible for a broader audience through QIA’s quantum internet demonstrator.[5]
It is critical to note that as they are understood today, quantum networks might not replace classical communications or the internet however they have potential to offer novel functionalities such as more secure communication and the ability to connect quantum computers for enhanced computing power.[6]
9.2. Quantum Networking Testbeds
Quantum Networking Testbeds play a crucial role in the development of quantum networking and, by extension, the quantum internet. Currently, our data identifies 28 quantum networking testbeds in the US and Europe.
Testbeds play a crucial role in the development of quantum networking and, by extension, the quantum internet. The National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee defines a testbed as “a platform or facility that is accessible to multiple users to conduct replicable and rigorous testing of component technologies, protocols, and systems integration” and distinguishes it from demonstrators, prototypes and user facilities.[7]
Testbeds are essential for advancing quantum networking because they provide realistic environments in which to explore the performance, interoperability, and scalability of quantum components. According to the NQIAC, “strategically chosen and properly timed quantum networking testbeds will serve an important role in developing the theoretical underpinnings, technologies, security models, and application scenarios” for quantum networks.[8]
The importance of testbeds lies not only in technological validation but also in risk mitigation. Developing “right-sized” testbeds, those tailored in scope and cost to specific research objectives, has been a priority both in the 2021 and 2024 reports.[9][10] This strategic investment approach aims to ensure that only mature, promising technologies are scaled up for more extensive networks.
Investments in testbeds are not merely about testing hardware, they also represent a commitment to advancing the foundational science and engineering needed for a transformative quantum era.
Beyond technical development, testbeds also play a critical role in workforce training and industry engagement. They provide hands-on opportunities for students, researchers, and engineers from diverse backgrounds to develop quantum skills in a practical setting. For industry, testbeds offer a collaborative space to test products, explore market-ready solutions, and align with government and academic research. In this way, testbeds not only advance technology but also support a broader ecosystem necessary for the growth of quantum networking.
In this chapter we present data that maps quantum networking testbeds across the world from publicly available sources and in consultation with experts. Our current dataset lists 13 testbeds in the US and 15 in Europe (including UK). The distribution of these testbeds is illustrated in the maps below:
Number of Quantum Networking Testbeds
2024
Quantum Network Testbeds in the US
Quantum Network Testbeds in Europe
Quantum Network Testbeds in Asia
9.3. Future Research
We aim to systematically map and document the locations of quantum networking testbeds worldwide, creating a comprehensive open database accessible to researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. We will be making this data publicly available to accelerate collaborative research, facilitate international partnerships, and inform evidence-based policy decisions regarding quantum infrastructure development. We would like to invite contributors and collaborators to join us in these efforts.
You can reach us at contact@qir.mit.edu
How to cite this work:
Ruane, J., Kiesow, E., Galatsanos, J., Dukatz, C., Blomquist, E., Shukla, P., “The Quantum Index Report 2025”, MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, May 2025.
The Quantum Index Report 2025 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
Methodology
Quantum Networking:
The dataset was created by merging input from the Center for Quantum Networks (CQN) researchers, QIR professional network and publicly available information by GQI Quantum Computing Report (accessed in June 2024).
References
References
[1] The White House National Quantum Coordination Office, ‘A Strategic Vision for America’s Quantum Networks’ (2020).
[2] ‘Quantum Networking: Findings and Recommendations for Growing American Leadership’ [2024] National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.
[3] Quantum Internet Alliance, ‘The Quantum Internet Alliance Will Build an Advanced European Quantum Internet Ecosystem’ (14 October 2022) <https://quantuminternetalliance.org/2022/10/14/the-quantum-internet-alliance-will-build-an-advanced-european-quantum-internet-ecosystem/> accessed 31 March 2025.
[4] C Delle Donne and others, ‘An Operating System for Executing Applications on Quantum Network Nodes’ (2025) 639 Nature 321.
[5] QIA, ‘QIA Researchers Create First Operating System for Quantum Networks’ (Quantum Internet Alliance, 12 March 2025) <https://quantuminternetalliance.org/2025/03/12/qia-researchers-create-first-operating-system-for-quantum-networks/> accessed 31 March 2025.
[6] ‘Quantum Networking: Findings and Recommendations for Growing American Leadership’ (n 6).
[7] ibid.
[8] ibid.
[9] National Science and Technology Council (n 3).
[10] ‘Quantum Networking: Findings and Recommendations for Growing American Leadership’ (n 6).