Fast photonic integrated circuits for continuous-variable quantum key distributionbroad
FALQON · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-05-01–2029-04-30
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-EIC-2025-TRANSITIONOPEN · scheme HORIZON-EIC · topic HORIZON-EIC-2025-TRANSITIONOPEN. CORDIS record →
Objective
Cybersecurity is at a crossroads. Across Europe and globally, critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government face increasing risks from data breaches and looming threats posed by quantum computing. Traditional encryption methods, once considered unbreakable, are now vulnerable to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where stolen data can be unlocked as soon as quantum technologies mature. With cybercrime already costing the global economy trillions of euros each year, the need for new forms of secure communication has become urgent.The FALQON project responds to this challenge by advancing a new generation of quantum key distribution (QKD) technology that can safeguard sensitive information in the post-quantum era. The project will develop compact photonic integrated circuits for transmitter and receiver that combine quantum security with the scalability and affordability of semiconductor manufacturing. Over three years, FALQON will transform existing laboratory results into integrated chip-based prototypes, validate the QKD system performance in a relevant environment, demonstrate the system in a real network environments, and engage potential users to ensure alignment with market needs. By uniting cutting-edge research with a clear path to deployment, FALQON will establish the foundation for Europe’s leadership in quantum-secure communication. Its results will strengthen digital sovereignty, reduce reliance on non-European suppliers, and protect the data that underpins our societies, economies, and citizens’ trust.
Beneficiaries (1)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELARE QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS APS | DK | coordinator | €2,498,824 | Yes |
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