Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530423
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 11 DECEMBER 2024 NEWS FROM 2 to 5 December, Malta became the focal point of quan- tum-secure communication technologies during PRISM Quantum Week 2024, hosted at the University of Malta Valletta Campus. Organised by the PRISM Eu- roQCI consortium, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to showcase Europe's leader- ship in quantum innovation and secure communication. The first three days of PRISM Quantum Week featured closed technical sessions with dele- gates from the European Tele- communications Standards In- stitute (ETSI). Discussions centred on the progress of standards for Quan- tum Key Distribution technolo- gy which is the basis of PRISM's cutting-edge infrastructure, aimed at establishing a secure and resilient quantum commu- nication network across Malta as part of the Europe-wide Eu- roQCI initiative. On 3 December, ETSI dele- gates and industry represent- atives visited the Melita Da- ta Centre in Madliena for an exclusive demonstration of PRISM's operational testbed quantum network. The show- case included: • A walkthrough of the quantum network moni- toring dashboard. • A display of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) devic- es ensuring secure com- munication. • Insight into the equip- ment forming the back- bone of PRISM's infra- structure. • A guided tour of the state- of-the-art data centre, providing a close-up view of the advanced technolo- gies in action. This immersive demonstra- tion highlighted the real-world applications of PRISM's inno- vations and Malta's role in Eu- rope's quantum ecosystem. Open Forum: A Grand Finale The week culminated on 5th December with the Open Fo- rum, a public event that at- tracted some 60 attendees. The forum provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on the fu- ture of quantum-secure com- munication, featuring: Key Addresses: Opening re- marks by RSM Malta (PRISM Coordinator), alongside speech- es from the European Com- mission, Quantum Flagship, PETRUS CSA, Airbus, ETSI, and the Malta Digital Innova- tion Authority. Industry Presentations: Con- tributions from global leaders such as Aurea Technologies, Huawei, LuxQuanta, QTI, and Toshiba, offering insights in- to the latest developments in quantum communication sys- tems. Panel Discussions: Experts ex- plored critical topics such as the future of cybersecurity and the deployment of quantum tech- nologies. National Contributions: Up- dates from Austria, Greece, Portugal, Romania, and Spain on their progress in implement- ing their respective projects as part of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). Poster Sessions and Network- ing: A vibrant closing session with poster displays and net- working opportunities encour- aged collaboration across sec- tors. PRISM Quantum Week 2024 brought together represent- atives from leading organisa- tions, including Airbus, ETSI, Amazon Web Services, Huawei, LuxQuanta, QTI, and Toshiba, alongside key national quantum initiatives. The event underscored the importance of collaboration in securing Europe's digital future and highlighted Malta's role as a hub for quantum communica- tion technology. Malta hosts landmark PRISM Quantum Week 2024 THE Malta Business Bureau, together with its partners from Italy, Greece, Portu- gal, Spain, and Cyprus, has launched the Erasmus+ fund- ed INNO-ANTIDOTE pro- ject, focused on establishing mini business incubators in each partner country. INNO-ANTIDOTE aims to empower Mediterranean youth to tackle critical envi- ronmental challenges. These incubators aim to generate at least 18 innovative ide- as addressing sustainability across air, sea, and land. The initiative specifically targets Mediterranean youth (aged 18–26), equipping them with the tools and op- portunities to create sustain- able solutions while foster- ing green entrepreneurship and contributing to the cir- cular economy. By participating in these incubators, young entrepre- neurs will receive education and mentorship to turn their innovative concepts into via- ble businesses. "Mediterranean youth face significant challenges, from high unemployment to climate-related risks," ex- plained Mario Xuereb, CEO of MBB. "By fostering green entrepreneurship and sup- porting youth through mini business incubators, IN- NO-ANTIDOTE will inspire the next generation to drive sustainable growth and con- tribute to the EU's climate goals." Project Highlights: • Development of educa- tional resources and e-learn- ing opportunities. • Creation of mini business incubators in each partici- pating country. • Generation of at least 18 green-focused innovative ideas. Selection of top ideas from each incubator to participate in an international competi- tion in Greece. These efforts align with the European Union's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and underscore the importance of youth-driven innovation in addressing ur- gent environmental and eco- nomic challenges. INNO-ANTIDOTE is a collaborative initiative, im- plemented by Cosvitec Sarl (Italy - Lead), Malta Business Bureau, Strategic Omnia Research and Technology Development Ltd (Cyprus), VogalOrizontal (Portugal), Liofyllo Social Cooperative Enterprise (Greece), and the Association for the Promo- tion of Sustainable Initiatives and Competences (Spain). MBB launches EU project to empower young green innovators and develop mini business incubators