TNO Emphasizes Need for Long-Range Quantum Networks, Commits to Realizing Quantum Internet

August 2, 2026

TNO Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) stresses that fully entangled quantum networks capable of long-range connections are essential to fully unlock the potential of quantum computers and sensors. TNO has been developing expertise in quantum networking since 2012 and states it is ready to support the ecosystem and realize the quantum internet. This represents a crucial vision for building the foundation of next-generation secure communication and distributed computing.

In Depth

Key Findings

The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has articulated a compelling vision: the construction of long-range, fully entangled quantum networks is indispensable to unleash the full potential of future quantum computing and quantum sensing capabilities. TNO affirms its deep expertise in the quantum networking domain, cultivated since 2012, and declares its readiness to support the evolving quantum ecosystem and drive towards the ultimate realization of a quantum internet.

Technical / Clinical Details

A fully entangled quantum network relies on the quantum mechanical property of ‘entanglement’ between qubits to transmit information. This is critical for securely and rapidly sharing information between geographically distant quantum computers and for enabling global-scale, high-precision measurements through distributed quantum sensing. However, maintaining and distributing quantum entanglement over long distances poses formidable technical challenges, necessitating the development of key technologies such as quantum repeaters and quantum memories. TNO possesses profound expertise in fiber optics technology, quantum protocol development, and quantum device integration, contributing to the development of these constituent technologies for the quantum internet. The realization of long-range quantum networks is also paramount for providing ultimate secure communication via Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and addressing the future threat of quantum computers breaking current public-key cryptosystems.

Background & Context

Leading nations worldwide are prioritizing quantum technology as a top national strategic imperative, investing heavily in its development. As quantum computing and sensing advance, the concept of a quantum internet to connect these capabilities is becoming increasingly tangible. TNO, as a leading independent research organization in the Netherlands, has spearheaded quantum technology R&D for many years. Its commitment spans from fundamental technology development for quantum networks to implementing pilot projects and fostering industrial collaborations. Although this field is still in its early stages, its immense potential impact has prompted countries like the U.S., China, and Japan to pursue similar national quantum networking plans. TNO’s vision positions the Netherlands to play a significant role in this global competition, aiming to create socioeconomic value through technological innovation.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The construction of long-range quantum networks, as emphasized by TNO, holds the potential to fundamentally transform the landscape of information and communication in the quantum era. Once established, this infrastructure will enable unprecedented levels of security, computational power, and sensing precision, far beyond what is possible with the current internet. TNO’s expertise and ecosystem support will contribute to achieving critical milestones, such as prototyping quantum repeaters, enhancing quantum memory performance, and standardizing quantum internet protocols. In the future, such networks are expected to find applications across diverse industrial sectors, including finance, healthcare, defense, and scientific research, fostering new services and business models. TNO’s ongoing contributions will be a key driving force in making the grand vision of a quantum internet a reality, solidifying the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in this cutting-edge technological field.

Source: https://www.tno.nl/en/digital/semicon-quantum/quantum-technologies/quantum-communication/

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