Scalable Quantum Cryptography for Ultra-secure Communications in Metropolitan Networks

Project Information

MIQRO

Grant agreement ID: 101161539

DOI

10.3030/101161539

EC signature date 6 June 2024

Start date 1 June 2024

End date 31 August 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 562 500,00

EU contribution

€ 2 493 750,00

Coordinated by

LUXQUANTA TECHNOLOGIES SL
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MIQRO (Scalable Quantum Cryptography for Ultra-secure Communications in Metropolitan Networks)

Reporting period: 2024-06-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

LuxQuanta addresses the vulnerability of current cryptographic methods in the post-quantum era, aligning with the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative to test, deploy, and adopt secure infrastructures resistant to quantum threats. Although only few companies worldwide offer complete quantum cryptography solutions ready for deployment, the quantum security market is expected to grow significantly, reaching ~$10 billion by 2030, according to Quantum Insider. LuxQuanta targets and aims to lead a specific European niche: terrestrial QKD for civilian use.

LuxQuanta has developed novel hardware for ultra-secure communications in metropolitan networks using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which leverages quantum states of light to securely generate symmetric encryption keys. This technology integrates seamlessly with existing telecom infrastructure and provides high performance with low ownership costs. To accelerate market entry, LuxQuanta launched NOVA LQ®, the first European CV-QKD system, in Q1 2023, followed by a second generation in Q1 2025, using commercial-off-the-shelf optoelectronic components. While robust, this solution is expensive and reliant on third parties. To become a global leader, LuxQuanta needs a more scalable, cost-effective solution.

Under this EIC project, LuxQuanta aims to mature to TRL 8 its prototype CV-QKD system based on integrated photonics, MIQRO®. This system integrates optoelectronic components on a chip via photonic integrated circuits (PIC), reducing size and cost while increasing scalability without compromising performance.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first reporting period, the project experienced timeline delays. Risk mitigation was implemented, allowing progress toward main objectives. All key technical deliverables were completed and submitted, and a milestone related to photonic integrated hardware and chip fabrication was partially adjusted based on updates in the PIC development plan.

Key system parameters critical for performance were defined and informed the hardware design, and the available photonic platforms and integration technologies were assessed. The photonic hardware was designed, fabricated, partially characterized at the component level, and packaged for further testing. Test results, along with electromagnetic simulations and layout design tools, informed a new design-fabrication-packaging cycle.

Controlling the PIC modules requires substantial electronic hardware engineering. During this period, printed circuit boards (PCB) and drivers for CV-QKD modules were designed and fabricated. The digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for MIQRO® needed adaptation from those in the discrete-photonics-based NOVA LQ®. This led to the creation of new error-correction software to extract secret keys. The DSP architecture and post-processing algorithms—covering error correction and privacy amplification—have been fully designed and implemented, pending validation with the photonic hardware.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Beyond technical work, the project emphasized stakeholder engagement, public communication, and refinement of business and IP strategies. LuxQuanta conducted customer demonstrations and deployments using its mature NOVA LQ® system to validate specifications and interfaces. These demonstrations covered diverse use cases, with a focus on telecom customers and partnerships with system houses and integrators, who are key to the value chain.

LuxQuanta’s commercial strategy focused on rapid market entry with a production-ready product to meet real customer needs and establish a client and partner base for direct feedback—both technical and commercial.
Given the fast-changing quantum technology landscape and the strategic need for secure infrastructure and European tech sovereignty, LuxQuanta aligns its IP activities with R&D, standardization, and commercialization to maximize business value. Its IP portfolio includes three patent families, with four more filings planned by year-end. It also holds trademarks and valuable technical know-how. LuxQuanta's IP strategy involves assessing the current portfolio, identifying gaps and threats, and providing actionable recommendations to optimize IP creation, protection, and exploitation. This includes revisiting business objectives and implementing governance and internal policies for IP management.

LuxQuanta adheres to evolving standards and regulations, including ITU-T and ISO developments, to ensure compliance. NOVA LQ® meets European QKD standards (ETSI 004, 014, 015) and has CE marking; MIQRO® will inherit the former, while the latter must be obtained before commercialization. These actions mark significant progress toward expanding scientific and commercial impact.

Conceptual render of one of the integrated CV-QKD modules