Romania launches center of excellence in quantum technologies to strengthen cybersecurity

Romania is taking a strategic step in the field of advanced technologies by launching RExQTCS - Romanian Center of Excellence in Quantum Technologies for Improving Cybersecurity, a project aimed at developing research and practical applications in classical and post-quantum cryptography. According to the National Research Authority, the rapid evolution of quantum computing is already fundamentally transforming communications security and data protection. "The development of quantum computing is already changing the way communications security is thought about," the institution's representatives said, emphasizing that the new center will connect frontier research with applied solutions for protecting digital infrastructures. Through this project, Romania aims to anticipate the challenges brought by quantum computing, including the risks they may generate on current encryption systems.

• National coordination and extensive academic expertise

The center is coordinated by the Politehnica University of Bucharest and brings together a major academic consortium formed by: Politehnica University of Timişoara,

Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iaşi, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, West University of Timişoara, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, University of Craiova. This structure creates one of the largest Romanian networks dedicated to quantum research and digital security.

• Financing of approximately 86 million lei

The project benefits from a funding of approximately 86 million lei through UEFISCDI, within the national competition for centers of excellence.

The funds will support: research in post-quantum cryptography; development of technological infrastructure; training of specialists; knowledge transfer to the economic environment and public institutions.

• A bridge between research, economy and state

RExQTCS is designed as a strategic hub that will connect: academia;

public sector; private companies. The goal is to develop a community capable of responsibly implementing quantum technologies in sectors critical to national security and economic competitiveness. In a global context in which major powers are investing heavily in quantum technologies, Romania is thus consolidating its regional position in advanced research and cybersecurity. The launch of this center reflects not only an investment in innovation, but also a strategy for preparing for the digital future, in a world where data protection and cyber resilience are becoming essential priorities.