The technology centre Eurecat is developing cybersecurity tools to protect data and communications against the risks posed by the emergence of quantum computing and its potential to compromise current encryption systems. It is also developing quantum artificial intelligence solutions to enhance the analysis of images captured by satellites, drones and aircraft.
The innovation forms part of the ARQADE alliance, a consortium of five technology centres recognised as a Cervera Network of Excellence, which aims to prepare companies and strategic sectors for the advent of quantum computing.
The quantum artificial intelligence solutions that Eurecat will develop to improve the interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery will enable the classification and identification of elements, making it possible to detect which objects or areas appear in an image, as well as to distinguish and delineate them, even under adverse weather conditions or when image resolution and quality are limited by noise.
Both lines of technological research being developed by Eurecat could have dual-use applications in security and other strategic fields, including space and Earth observation, energy, healthcare, transport and logistics.
Making quantum computing accessible to businesses
“One of ARQADE’s objectives is to bring quantum computing closer to companies through tools that can be used by non-specialist users,” explains Adán Garriga, Director of Quantum Computing at Eurecat and the centre’s representative on the ARQADE Operational Committee.
“This will enable companies to integrate these technologies into their products and processes without depending on specialist quantum computing expertise,” he adds.
According to Myriam García-Berro, Eurecat’s Director of Research and Technology and the technology centre’s representative on the ARQADE Steering Committee, this approach “is designed to support companies in addressing the challenges of an emerging market while protecting their data and communications against the threat that future quantum computers may pose to current cryptographic systems.”
In-house capabilities in quantum technologies
Eurecat contributes a multidisciplinary team to the project, bringing together expertise in quantum physics, artificial intelligence and post-quantum cybersecurity, alongside the capabilities of its QuantIA Lab. The laboratory houses a digital annealer capable of solving optimisation problems involving up to 100,000 variables, a 34-qubit quantum gate emulator and a high-performance computing cluster.
“The availability of specialised talent remains one of the key challenges for the adoption of quantum computing by industry, given the global shortage of professionals with these skills,” says Joan Mas, Scientific Director of Eurecat’s Digital Area and coordinator of the ARQADE Talent Working Group.
ARQADE, a national network of five technology centres
The ARQADE alliance brings together five technology centres: CTIC, which coordinates the network, Eurecat, ITG, ITI and AIR Institute. Around fifty researchers are involved in the initiative, which is supported by 39 organisations linked to quantum technologies, defence and a range of civilian sectors.
Running from 2026 to 2028, the project builds on the work carried out by the Cervera ARQA Network (2023-2025). ARQADE is developing three validation scenarios focused on satellite image analysis, drone swarms and GPS-free navigation. Eurecat coordinates the work package covering these scenarios and leads the satellite image analysis use case.
The network has a total budget of €4.67 million, funded by the CDTI through the Cervera Programme of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
