Project description
European quantum-secure communications with affordable, scalable photonics
Quantum computing is experiencing a rapid, arguably exponential acceleration towards fully error-corrected machines, while hostile actors are already harvesting encrypted data to decrypt it once sufficiently powerful quantum computers exist. Together, these developments make the need for quantum-proof encryption even more urgent. The EIC-funded FALQON project aims to address this threat with a new generation of quantum key distribution technology, embedding transmitter and receiver components onto compact photonic integrated circuits. This approach brings the scalability and cost-efficiency of conventional semiconductor manufacturing to quantum security, enabling large-scale deployment. By validating the technology in real network environments, FALQON seeks to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty and pave the way for quantum-secure communications.
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.
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 electromagnetism and electronics optoelectronics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security data protection
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security network security
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
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 - HORIZON EIC Grants
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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-TRANSITIONOPEN
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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.
2000 FREDERISKSBERG
Denmark
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.