Project description
New hardware solution to boost data security in city communications
Spain-based company LuxQuanta is pioneering the development of hardware for ultra-secure data communication in metropolitan networks using quantum key distribution (QKD), a method that, by relying on the laws of quantum physics, provides secure communication against future cyberattacks, including those from quantum computers. LuxQuanta has been commercialising QKD technology since the beginning of 2023. The EIC-funded MIQRO project will advance the company’s technology by developing a product based on photonic integrated circuits that will significantly reduce costs and enhance the manufacturing scalability of QKD technology. Photonic integration, aided by developments in signal processing and software, will result in a product that facilitates the wide-scale deployment of QKD in telecommunication networks, providing the highest levels of data communication security.
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
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended Finance
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2023-ACCELERATOR-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08908 L HOSPITALET DE LLOBREGAT
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.