Scalable Quantum Cryptography for Ultra-secure Communications in Metropolitan Networksbroad
MIQRO · Horizon Europe grant · 2024-06-01–2026-08-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-EIC-2023-ACCELERATOR-01 · scheme HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF · topic HORIZON-EIC-2023-ACCELERATORCHALLENGES-05. CORDIS record →
Objective
LuxQuanta develops novel hardware for ultra-secure communications in metropolitan networks (below 50 km) based on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD is a method for securely transmitting encryption keys using the principles of quantum mechanics and is resistant to the threat posed by quantum computers to traditional cryptography methods. Therefore, QKD is a powerful tool for securing sensitive information in a variety of applications, ranging from telecommunications to government services. LuxQuanta is one of the only two European companies working on the latest generation of QKD (Continuous Variable - QKD), and the only one with a commercially mature solution, called Nova LQ. We have won public tenders in several EU countries (Belgium, Malta, Finland), run pilots with commercial customers (Telefonica, Santander Bank, Nestlé), and lined up a promising commercial pipeline. To shorten our time to market, we have developed NOVA LQ using Commercial Off-the-Shelf components. However, this approach makes NOVA LQ too expensive and creates dependencies on third parties that hinder our scale-up phase.Therefore, in the EIC project, we will mature an existing TRL 5 prototype of an integrated CV-QKD system called MIQRO that will maintain the same performance as Nova LQ but will lower the costs and increase the manufacturing efficiency. Thanks to MIQRO, LuxQuanta will achieve its market potential. MIQRO will cost less than one-third of Nova LQ's, and its gross margin will be more than double. We will start commercializing MIQRO in 2026; by 2030, MIQRO will contribute to over 75% of LuxQuanta's net profits. In the period 2026-2030, LuxQuanta will have over 225 M€ in cumulative revenues and 47+ M€ in net profits. LuxQuanta is a spin-off from ICFO, a world-leading research center on quantum technologies. The company was founded in 2021 and received seed funding of over 1 M€ from private investors. Our technology is patented, and we have a world-class team comprising 22 employees
Beneficiaries (1)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LUXQUANTA TECHNOLOGIES SL | ES | coordinator | €2,493,750 | Yes |
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