Project description
A cybersecurity solution for the age of quantum computers
Quantum computing has advanced in recent years, revealing incredible possibilities. However, this progress comes with a cybersecurity threat, as quantum computers could break current encryption and compromise long-term data security. The EIC-funded NEXUS project aims to address this danger by building a new technology designed to deliver unparalleled security, cost-effectiveness, and scalability while overcoming current challenges. Furthermore, it will provide long-term safeguards against future cybersecurity threats arising from quantum technologies and lay the foundation for the incoming quantum internet. Finally, the solution will boost EU technological sovereignty, global competitiveness, and digital security.
Objective
In an era of unprecedented digital threats, Europe faces a critical cybersecurity crisis. The coming of quantum computers threatens to render current cryptography methods obsolete, potentially exposing sensitive government, financial, & personal data to malicious actors. This is compounded by the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy, where adversaries stockpile encrypted data for future decryption, jeopardizing long-term data security.
Q*Bird addresses this crisis with our groundbreaking Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) technology. Unlike traditional QKD systems, our solution offers unparalleled security, scalability, & cost-effectiveness. Our multi-point-to-multi-point architecture enables easy network expansion, dramatically reducing per-user costs while maintaining quantum-safe security. This innovation not only safeguards against current and future quantum threats but also lays the foundation for the emerging Quantum Internet.
A European deep-tech startup, Q*Bird is uniquely positioned to contribute to the EU's technological sovereignty in this critical domain. Our technology aligns perfectly with key EU initiatives such as the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) and the Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade. However, the high-risk nature of quantum technology development, coupled with long commercialization timelines, creates significant challenges in securing sufficient private investment.
EIC Accelerator support is crucial to bridge the gap between our current prototype and full commercialization. This support would not only accelerate our technology development but also catalyze additional private investment, enabling Europe to lead in the quantum communication revolution. With EIC backing, Q*Bird can transform the secure communications landscape, ensuring Europe's digital resilience in the quantum age.
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.
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.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences internet
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- social sciences political sciences political transitions revolutions
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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.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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 - HORIZON EIC Accelerator
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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-2025-ACCELERATOR-02
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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.
2628 XJ DELFT
Netherlands
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.