Canary Global Foundation (CGF) has joined the CANA-QKD consortium, a Eurostars-supported project advancing quantum communications between the Canary Islands and Canada.
The consortium agreement formalizes collaboration between Light Bridges (Spain), QEYnet (Canada), and CGF (United States) to develop and validate a satellite-to-ground Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link using the Two-Meter Twin Telescope (TTT) at the Teide Observatory in Tenerife. The project officially began on January 1, 2026, following approval of the agreement by the Eureka network.
The CANA-QKD project aims to retrofit the TTT into a dual-purpose astronomical and quantum optical ground station, integrating precision optics, adaptive tracking systems, and a QKD hardware and software stack interoperable with satellite infrastructure. This work represents a transatlantic collaboration designed to demonstrate secure intercontinental key exchange under real operating conditions.
Within the consortium, Light Bridges leads overall project coordination and provides telescope infrastructure and integration capabilities. QEYnet is responsible for QKD payload integration and satellite-link compatibility. CGF contributes non-commercial support in system validation, testing oversight, dissemination, training, and educational activities, acting as an independent research and outreach partner.
The project has a duration of 12 months and is supported under the Eurostars framework, with a total budget of approximately €840,000 across the participating organizations.
Why this matters
CANA-QKD extends the use of large-scale astronomical infrastructure into emerging technological domains such as secure quantum communications. By leveraging the capabilities of the TTT, the project explores how observatories can serve as platforms for both scientific discovery and advanced optical communication systems.
This work positions CGF within an international effort to develop next-generation infrastructure at the intersection of astronomy, photonics, and secure communications, reinforcing its role as a collaborator in multidisciplinary, high-impact initiatives.
What’s next
Over the coming year, the consortium will focus on system integration, testing, and validation of quantum communication links under operational conditions. The project will generate technical results, datasets, and integration protocols that can inform future ground stations and expand the role of observatories in global quantum communication networks.
