7th Quantum Technology
Conference 2025
WELCOME
The Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality of the European Space Agency welcomes you to the 7th Quantum Technology Conference on 07-09 October 2025 in Heraklion, Crete.
Skinakas Optical Ground Station
Thanks to you, the ESA Quantum Technology Conference has become the reference point and hub for European institutions, space industry, and academia involved in quantum technologies for space. The Conference is recognised not only for its scientific and engineering excellence—but, also, for its innovative coverage of policy, commercialisation, and institutional perspectives. We facilitate networking among all relevant stakeholders in the field and aim to identify promising areas of collaboration for the implementation of Quantum Technologies for space applications.
Laser beacon from the ESA Optical Ground Station in Tenerife
We welcome your contribution to:
• New initiatives and international collaborations
• Quantum community goals
• New strategic challenges
• Technical developments and breakthroughs
• Emerging opportunities, both commercial and institutional
Detail of atom chip for CAI gravity gradiometer (RAL Space)
Entangled Photon Source for space applications (Fraunhofer IOF)
UV Curing of an OBST breadboard (FORTH)
Atomtronic Matterware Ring (IESL-FORTH)
Bose-Einstein Condensates in Atomtronic Matterwave guides (IESL-FORHT)
ACES: Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space
Quantum Technology topics discussed in previous editions include quantum sensing, quantum metrology, quantum cryptography, and quantum information processing—reflecting latest developments in research and applications to space activities. See the latest edition website here:
Helmos Observatory |
REGISTRATION
THE REGISTRATION PORTAL IS NOW OPEN.
Please click on the button below to proceed with the Conference Registration.
If you wish to submit an abstract, you will be able to do so during the registration process.
Please find the deadlines and registration fee details below.
Early Bird registration | EUR 450.00 | until 31st July at 12AM CEST |
Late registration | EUR 650.00 | from 1st August until 7th September at 12AM CEST |
Cancellation Policy
Registration fees are refundable until the Early Bird registration deadline on 31st July. After this date, fees will be non-refundable.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Jacob Barandes
&
Co-Director of Graduate Studies
Harvard University
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
CHAIRS
Kyriaki Minoglou
Head of Mechatronics & Optics Division
ESTEC
Eric Wille
Head, Opto-electronics Section
ESTEC
Bruno Leone
Opto-electronics Section
ECSAT
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Antonios Atlasis
ESTEC
José Angel Avila Rodríguez
ESTEC
Kasia Balakier
ESTEC
Luigi Cacciapuoti
ESTEC
Oliver Carraz
ESTEC
Vassilis Charmandaris
FORTH
Luigi D'Arcio
ESTEC
Gabriele De Canio
ESOC
Rok Dittrich
ESTEC
Jai Grover
ESTEC
Harald Hauschildt
ESTEC
Oliver Jennrich
ESTEC
Elizabeth Laier English
ESTEC
Nicolas Le Gallou
ESTEC
Nikolaos Lyras
ESTEC
Sinda Mejri
ESOC
Gabriele Meoni
ESTEC
Eamonn Murphy
ESTEC
Jorge Piris
ESTEC
Jose Pizarro
ESTEC
Frederic Rouesnel
ESTEC
Alberto Rubio
ESTEC
Alessandro Sebastianelli
ESRIN
Aaron Strangfeld
ESTEC
Leopold Summerer
ESTEC
Panos Tsakalides
FORTH
Paris Tzallas
FORTH
Christopher Vasko
ESTEC
Wolf von Klitzing
FORTH
Eric Wille
ESTEC
Sarah Wittig
ESTEC
LOCATION
VENUE
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH)
Founded in 1983, FORTH is the largest research centre in Greece, renowned for its cutting-edge research and world-class facilities. With a highly skilled team and a strong global reputation, FORTH conducts specialised research in areas of critical scientific, societal and economic importance, such as lasers, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics and more. It operates ten research institutes, with its headquarters based in Heraklion, Crete.
Heraklion Region
Heraklion is the largest city on the island of Crete and the capital of the region, home to around 179,000 residents. Known for its rich history as the birthplace of the Minoan civilisation, Heraklion blends ancient heritage with modern vitality. The city is a key hub for tourism, trade and education, boasting landmarks such as the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Harbour and the nearby Palace of Knossos. With a strategic location connecting three continents, Heraklion is a top Mediterranean destination offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural treasures and a thriving economy. The city's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by its flourishing arts scene, lively markets and exceptional traditional Cretan cuisine. Beyond the city, the Heraklion region is rich in diverse landscapes, from charming villages like Archanes to fertile agricultural lands, providing visitors with a true sense of Cretan life.
How to get there
By plane
Heraklion is well connected to major European cities with direct flights. Domestic flights are available from Athens, Thessaloniki and other Greek islands. The closest airport to Heraklion is Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER).
By ferry
You can reach Heraklion by ferry from Athens (Piraeus Port) and other Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes. The journey from Piraeus to Heraklion takes about 8–9 hours by overnight ferry.
By car
Once in Crete, you can drive to Heraklion using the E75 National Road, which connects the island from west to east. Rental cars are widely available at the airport and port.
By bus
The KTEL Crete bus network connects Heraklion with other cities like Chania, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos. The buses are a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel around the island.
Conference Bus
A courtesy bus service will be available to take participants from the Central Heraklion meeting point to the Conference venue, and back, each day. The meeting point is: Central Heraklion (at the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos). The bus service will also transport participants booked on the Skinakas Observatory tour and Social dinner event.
ACCOMMODATION
Some hotels offer discounted rates, indicated by an asterisk ( ). Details on how to apply the discount are provided below.
Kindly note that hotel bookings are not managed by the ESA Conference Bureau. Participants are responsible for checking availability and making reservations directly with the hotels.
| RECOMMENDED HOTELS | DISTANCE FROM BUS PICKUP/DROP-OFF POINT | WALKING TIME |
| Atlantis Aquila Hotel CHECK AVAILABILITY | 400 meters | 6 minutes |
| Capsis Astoria CHECK AVAILABILITY | 320 meters | 3 minutes |
| Ibis Styles Heraklion Central CHECK AVAILABILITY | 500 meters | 7 minutes |
| Olive Green Hotel CHECK AVAILABILITY | 400 meters | 6 minutes |
| Lato Boutique Hotel CHECK AVAILABILITY | 650 meters | 10 minutes |
| Lato Annex Boutique Rooms CHECK AVAILABILITY | 650 meters | 9 minutes |
| Hotel Olympic CHECK AVAILABILITY | 600 meters | 9 minutes |
| Legacy Gastro Suites CHECK AVAILABILITY | 350 meters | 5 minutes |
| Kastro Hotel CHECK AVAILABILITY | 850 meters | 12 minutes |
1- Click on BOOK NOW to open the availability search.
2- Select BOOKING CODE, then enter the discount code CONFERENCE.
3- Choose your desired room and complete your booking.
The map below shows the points of interest: the bus pick-up/drop-off point (Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos), nearby recommended hotels, FORTH, Skinakas Observatory and Arodamos Restaurant.
Contact us
For more information, please contact:
ESA Conference Bureau
Fermi Ave, Harwell
Didcot OX11 0FD, UK
ecsat.mvcc.ecb@esa.int
Follow us
SOCIAL EVENTS
Skinakas Observatory is a research facility in Crete, operated by the University of Crete and FORTH. It focuses on astrophysics and public astronomy outreach. Located at 1,750m on Mount Ida, it offers stunning night sky views.
EXPLORE FURTHER
Arodamos is a warm and welcoming place with scenic views of Psiloritis, offering a unique dining experience inspired by tradition, set in a natural and eco-friendly environment. Vegetarian and vegan menu options are catered for.
DISCOVER MORE