About

Padua SQI26 is to bring together researchers and technologists interested in proposing or realizing experiments of quantum science in space, or to develop instruments or technology aimed to operate in space or along free-space links as validators or proofs of concept. The domain is broad: fundamental tests, space-based science, quantum sensing & PNT, computing, and communication, plus a session on industrial support.

The idea is to work together to envisage the most promising and advanced satellite, ground station, links concepts and functionalities to aim at meaningful and realistic experiments or realization of quantum information protocols in space or between space and ground networks.

Participants shall contribute with ideas and possible solutions, seeking for potential synergies with others to enhance the impact and the concreteness of a proposal, in order to make it suitable for being proposed to an Agency for its realization.

The following topics (non-exhaustive) are within the scope of the workshop:

• Space-based Fundamental Physics utilising Quantum Technologies and/or probing Quantum Effects
• Satellite entanglement distribution and distributed quantum information processing
• Multipoint space quantum communications
• Space-based Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Communications beyond QKD
• Quantum Sensing/PNT utilising Space Assets
• Space-based experiments with quantum memories/repeaters
• Space-based experiments with different physical systems: ensemble cold-atom systems, neutral atoms/ions, superconducting, solid state quantum
• Quantum Technologies for Space-based Science

Workshop Format

Since the purpose of the workshop is to foster discussion, coordination, networking, and sharing of ideas, the format will be geared towards Keynotes, Discussion Panels, a few Contributed Talks, and Posters. There will be ample time for informal ineractions in a relaxing and collaborative atmosphere.

Scientific Committee

Name	Institution
Paolo Villoresi	University of Padua
Daniel Oi	Strathclyde University Glasgow
Eleni Diamanti	CNRS & Sorbonne University Paris
Giuseppe Vallone	University of Padua
Antia Lamas-Linares	University of Vigo
Tristan Valenzuela	RAL Space
Alex Ling	NUS Singapore
Markus Krutzik	Humboldt Berlin
Kai Bongs & Matthias Zimmerman	DLR Ulm
Harald Weinfurter	LMU & Max Planck Munich
Hendrik Ulbricht	University of Southampton
Daniele Dequal	ESA
Christoph Marquardt	Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg & Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light

Program Schedule

May 20	Morning	Workshop Commences
May 21	Afternoon	Officina Stellare Factory Visit
	Evening	Workshop Dinner
May 22	Mid-Afternoon	Workshop Concludes

Registration

Registration for the Padua Satellite Quantum Communication Workshop 2026 is now open. We welcome you to join us by completing the registration and abstract submission form here.

The venue has limited capacity so we will need to restrict the number of attendees. We will be assessing applications to attend on a rolling basis, the last date for submission is the 24th April 2026. However, if we have reached capacity of acceptances, following applications will be placed on a waiting list.

Contact

Feel free to get in touch with us: padua.sqi26@gmail.com