PICNET Missions Project to Pioneer Photonic Circuits for Next-Generation Optical Networks and Data Centers
File number: EXP 00171142 / MIG-20241133
Consortium project with: Ipronics, LuxQuanta, Quside, and Telefónica.
The project’s main goal is to develop high value-added solutions to improve the security, efficiency, and energy consumption of optical communication networks and distributed data centers through integrated photonic technologies. The consortium includes IPRONICS, Quside, Telefónica Innovación Digital, and LuxQuanta, with the support of leading research institutions such as ICFO, IMSE, UPV, and CTTC.
The PICNET project falls within the framework of the 2024 Science and Innovation Missions program and is subsidized by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), through European funds allocated to Spain’s national Recovery and Resilience Mechanism.
Aligned with Mission 3 of the program, “Development and strengthening of the Spanish integrated photonics ecosystem,” PICNET proposes an integrative approach based on quantum photonics and the integration of high-capacity, low-cost components into integrated photonic circuits. The goal is to reinforce information security and optimize processing capabilities in distributed systems while addressing current and future challenges ofexponential growth of data traffic, largely driven by AI applications, within a context that demands more flexible, scalable, and secure digital infrastructures.
To achieve these goals, the project sets out the following technical objectives:
• Research key “Quantum-Safe” platforms for post-quantum cryptography, developing a root of trust (RoT) that integrates quantum random number generators (QES) and physically unclonable functions (PUFs) using integrated photonics to achieve high speed and enhanced protection against physical and cloning attacks.
• Design, manufacture, and validate a next-generation 64x64 integrated photonic switch, optimized for high-capacity optical networks and data centers. The switch aims to improve performance, reduce system size, and integrate advanced optical and electronic functionalities, including SOA optical amplifiers and efficient control software.
• Investigate quantum cryptographic solutions based on integrated photonics, through the development of an integrated photonic circuit platform for the receiver module of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) systems. This will enable high performance and low cost, with improvements in scalability and operational efficiency.
• Develop use cases and reference architectures to assess the compatibility and integration of the developed technologies and identify key technical and market challenges for future industrialization, in alignment with the consortium’s strategic goals.
LuxQuanta is mainly working within the Quantum Cryptogrpahic objectives with its gorundreaking Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution systems. 
CONSORTIUM
The consortium of entities participating in the PICNET project includes:
Additionally, the PICNET project is supported by leading Public Research Organizations (OPIs) in the sector, such as:
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