Walton Institute Launches €4 Million Project for Quantum Innovators

Walton Institute at South East Technological University has secured a significant project to spearhead the training of future experts in quantum technology. On November 20, 2025, the institute was selected to coordinate **Questing**, a €4 million initiative under the **Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions** (MSCA) doctoral network. This project aims to cultivate the next generation of professionals skilled in the development and management of quantum internet systems.

Questing unites nine European universities along with 13 industry partners to tackle pressing challenges in quantum technology. It is the first doctoral network dedicated to addressing the entire lifecycle of distributed quantum networks, a critical area for advancing secure communications and distributed computing in Europe. Over the next few years, Questing will train 15 fully-funded PhD candidates, referred to as **Q-System Innovators**, who will possess a unique blend of expertise across quantum technology, communications, computing, and social sciences.

The initiative is designed to address a significant skills shortage in the field. As quantum networks are poised to revolutionize secure communications, Europe must develop a capable workforce to design, operate, and manage these advanced systems effectively. By nurturing specialists with comprehensive knowledge from design to deployment, Questing seeks to enhance Europe’s competitive edge in the race to establish the **Quantum Internet**.

Establishing New Standards in Quantum Education

The Questing project will introduce a standardized doctoral curriculum, setting a new benchmark for training in quantum network systems across Europe. Dr. Indrakshi Dey, the Principal Investigator of Questing at Walton Institute, stated, “We are not just offering 15 PhD positions. We are inviting exceptional minds to join an elite, interdisciplinary team backed by industry leaders and world-class infrastructure.”

This project marks a substantial advancement in Ireland’s position within the global quantum research landscape. As the lead coordinator, Walton Institute will oversee the consortium, elevating its international profile and attracting top doctoral talent to the south-east region of the country. The institute’s extensive experience in managing large-scale **EU projects** will be instrumental in the success of Questing.

Dr. Deirdre Kilbane, Director of Research at Walton Institute, emphasized the project’s significance: “We are expanding on our existing quantum expertise with the announcement of this Questing project here in Walton Institute. Our team of researchers will be leaders in theoretical modeling and optimization of advanced quantum networks which will benefit society in untold ways.”

The consortium includes prestigious institutions such as **Trinity College Dublin** and the **University of Galway**’s **Irish Centre for High-End Computing**. Collaborating industry partners also feature prominent names such as **Airbus Defence and Space**, **British Telecommunications**, **Telecom Italia**, and the **Austrian Institute of Technology**.

With the Questing project, Walton Institute stands at the forefront of developing a skilled workforce capable of harnessing the potential of quantum technologies, positioning Europe as a leader in this transformative field. As the project unfolds, it promises not only to enhance academic expertise but also to contribute significantly to the technological advancements that will shape future communications and computing landscapes.