QUARTER has laid the scientific and technological foundations for the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems that now secure two hospitals in Madrid through a pioneering proof-of-concept deployment.
As healthcare systems become increasingly digital, protecting medical data has become a priority for both national security and private healthcare providers. Modern hospitals depend on interconnected networks to transmit electronic health records, diagnostic images, real-time monitoring data, and remote consultations. The growing need to exchange patient information quickly and efficiently between hospitals is intensifying the pressure to upgrade the security of those communications.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Spain, Telefónica and the Vithas healthcare group, together with QUARTER lead member LuxQuanta, QoolNet, and Fortinet, have deployed a quantum-secured communication link connecting two Vithas hospitals in Madrid.
One of the two VITHAS Hospitals secured with QUARTER’s QKD technology from LuxQuanta
Hospitals Connected
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Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria
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Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa
Technologies Deployed
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NOVA LQ® Continuous-Variable QKD system by LuxQuanta
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Quantum-safe network integration by QoolNet
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End-to-end encryption and cybersecurity infrastructure by Fortinet
This quantum-secured network enables Vithas to exchange highly sensitive medical information under a quantum-resistant security architecture. Any future quantum-enabled attacker attempting to intercept the cryptographic keys would be instantly detected, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of clinical communications.
Notably, the systems deployed, now commercially available as the NOVA LQ® Continuous-Variable QKD, were developed with funding and collaboration from the QUARTER consortium.
These advancements will be showcased by Telefónica at major technology events such as the Mobile World Congress, highlighting the strategic importance of quantum-safe infrastructures for critical sectors.
Schematic representation of the QKD deployment architecture using QUARTER lead member LuxQuanta QKD Devices.
