The Internet of Quantum Things (IoQT) - A New Frontier in Quantum Emulation and Simulation

In this paper we introduce the concept of the Internet of Quantum Things (IoQT), a distributed quantum development and testing playground that creates a collaborative environment for next-generation quantum developers, connecting quantum simulators and small-qubit devices across secure distributed nodes. Thus, IoQT would provide a cross-quantum programming environment compatible with languages like Qiskit and Eclipse Qrisp enabling IoQT developers to build, test, and validate quantum applications across diverse hardware configurations, while adhering to stringent cybersecurity standards. The IoQT environment envisions quantum-safe encryption protocols, secure hardware compilers, and continuous security monitoring to address quantum-specific cybersecurity challenges. Through the simulation/emulation of realistic, geographically distributed quantum environments, IoQT will be prepared to offer a comprehensive testing ground for quantum applications, thus enabling continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) with automated security checks. This virtualized framework will empower developers to enhance the security and resilience of quantum applications before transitioning to physical quantum hardware, ensuring that vulnerabilities and quality issues are identified and mitigated early in the development lifecycle. Ultimately, as a secure virtual testing environment, IoQT will support a variety of different stakeholders, including developers, researchers, and industry. The work is in the scope of Project: PQ-REACT (No. 101119547) and Eraclito of the serics foundation.