QPIC-AI is a joint EU–Republic of Korea research initiative that aims to develop AI-enhanced photonic quantum nodes for secure
communications. The project addresses two critical barriers to the widespread deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
environmental drift and reliance on manual calibration. By embedding lightweight artificial intelligence models into Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC)-based QKD systems, deployable on FPGA platforms, QPIC-AI will enable autonomous, self-calibrating quantum modules capable of maintaining stability in real-world conditions. The project will co-design thin-film LiNbO₃ transmitter and receiver PICs with integrated dynamic polarization control, implement FPGA-based BB84 QKD prototypes, and deploy embedded AI for predictive drift compensation and closed-loop control. The resulting systems will be validated across operational testbeds in Europe and South Korea, demonstrating stable key exchange, reduced downtime, and improved error performance. In parallel the consortium will contribute to international standards bodies (ETSI, ITU-T, ISO/IEC, CEN-CENELEC) and deliver a joint EU–ROK Certification Gap Report, supporting convergence of certification frameworks. Expected outcomes include a ≥30% reduction in system downtime, QBER variance maintained below 3% compared to manual calibration baselines, and contributions adopted in international standards.

The project will raise the technology readiness level of AI-assisted QKD from TRL 2–3 to TRL 4–5, providing open reference designs, benchmark datasets, and field validation results. QPIC-AI brings together a well-balanced consortium of leading research institutes (NCSRD, AIT, ETRI) and industry (SKTelecom, SG) combining excellence in photonics, quantum communication, and AI for impactful results.

QPICAIstrengthens EU–ROK cooperation through shared testbeds, researcher exchanges, and joint workshops, advancing a sustainable transnational ecosystem for quantum-secure communications.