Quantum Communications: Progress, Challenges & Future Directions

Join us at the Institute for Communication Systems (ICS) at the University of Surrey in Guildford, for the 8th edition of the 6GIC SeLected Advanced TopICs WorKshop Series (6GIC-CLICK).

This exciting event will bring together leading experts from academia and industry to discuss the latest progress, opportunities, and research challenges in Quantum Communications and their role in future 6G and beyond networks.

Quantum technologies are rapidly moving from fundamental research towards practical platforms, with major advances in quantum computing, quantum-safe security, quantum sensing, entanglement distribution, quantum networking, and hybrid quantum-classical infrastructures. For the telecommunications sector, these developments open new possibilities: secure communications beyond classical cryptography, quantum Internet architectures, quantum-enhanced distributed computing, quantum-native artificial intelligence, and the integration of quantum resources into programmable, cloud-managed, and AI-driven networks.

At the same time, significant research challenges remain. Future quantum-enabled communication systems must address scalability, interoperability with classical infrastructure, network orchestration, quantum repeater deployment, error correction, standardisation, testbeds, and real-world implementation. The workshop will explore how quantum technologies can complement existing digital infrastructure and become part of the wider 6G ecosystem, supporting secure, intelligent, and resilient connectivity across terrestrial, non-terrestrial, edge, and cloud environments.

The event will feature invited talks from internationally recognised speakers, including perspectives from telecommunications, quantum-safe networks, accelerated quantum computing, quantum Internet testbeds, quantum-6G integration, and quantum-native AI. The programme will also include live demonstrations, showcasing emerging capabilities.

Why attend?

Research towards quantum-enabled communication networks is accelerating, and this workshop will cover key challenges and opportunities, including:

· Quantum communications and quantum-safe telecommunications

· Quantum Internet architectures, entanglement distribution, and repeaters

· Integration of quantum technologies into 6G networks and cloud-edge systems

· Accelerated quantum supercomputing and hybrid quantum-classical workflows

· Quantum-native AI and distributed intelligence

· Quantum testbeds, demonstrations, benchmarking, and standardisation

· Practical deployment challenges for secure and scalable quantum networks

Event details:

• Date: 10th July 2026
• Registration: Doors open at 9:00 am
• Start time: 9:20 am to 17:00 pm GMT
• Location: Institute for Communication Systems (ICS), University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK

Keynote speakers:

• Professor Walid Saad, Virginia Tech, USA
• Professor Marcello Caleffi, University of Napoli Federico II, Italy
• Assistant Professor Riccardo Bassoli, TU Dresden, Germany
• Esperanza Cuenca Gomez, NVIDIA,UK
• Lory Thorpe, IBM UK
• Panel Lead Professor Stefano Pirandola, NodeQ
• Dr Mahtab Mirmohseni, Senior Lecturer, 6GIC
• Professor Gabriele Gradoni, Chair in Wireless Communications, 6GIC

This event is in-person and virtual. The Teams link will be sent out separately.

We'd greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word about this workshop. By sharing it within your networks you'll help to expand the reach of the 6GIC-CLICK series and play a part in shaping the future of communication networks.