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QBird develops hardware and software for ultra-secure data communications, leveraging quantum cryptography. Its core offering, Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), includes the Falqon Series for telecom integration and the Quantum Domain Controller (QDC) for network management. This technology provides robust security for critical infrastructure, establishing encryption keys derived from quantum physics.
A spin-off from Delft University of Technology, QBird commercializes quantum communication advancements. Co-founded by CEO Dr. Ingrid Romijn, the company arose from the insight sensitive data requires protection from future quantum computing threats. This understanding drives their deployment of resilient quantum-secure networks.
Q*Bird's quantum-secure networks operate across Europe, safeguarding critical infrastructure like telecommunications and government. Their vision centers on building a scalable quantum infrastructure, providing strong defense against "harvest-now-decrypt-later" attacks. The company aims to future-proof data communications and underpin a secure European quantum internet.
Q*Bird has raised $3.0M across 1 funding round.
Q*Bird has raised $3.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Q*Bird has raised $3.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $3.0M Seed in May 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2024 | $3M Seed | — | Cottonwood Technology Fund | Announced |
Q*Bird has raised $3.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Q*Bird's investors include Cottonwood Technology Fund.
Q*Bird is a Delft, Netherlands-based deeptech startup founded in January 2022, specializing in quantum-secure communication hardware and software.[1][2][3] The company develops the Falqon series of MDI-QKD (Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution) products, which leverage quantum physics for provably secure data encryption resistant to quantum computer attacks, serving critical infrastructure, financial institutions, governments, enterprises, and telecom providers like Cisco, Juniper, KPN, Eurofiber, and ABN AMRO.[1][2][3][4] These solutions solve the vulnerability of classical encryption to emerging quantum threats by enabling scalable, multipoint quantum networks with superior security, cost-efficiency, and upgradability, while laying groundwork for the quantum internet; early traction includes a launching customer at the Port of Rotterdam, European deployment contracts, €2.5M funding in 2024 from QDNL Participations, Cottonwood Technology Fund, and InnovationQuarter, and real-world pilots securing banking transactions and video streams.[1][2]
With 21 employees, Q*Bird focuses on the Benelux, Germany, France, and Spain, partnering with telcos and network providers to integrate quantum security into existing infrastructure, demonstrating growth through prototypes deployed across cities and datacenters.[1][2][3]
Q*Bird emerged as a spin-off from QuTech at TU Delft, founded in January 2022 by quantum communication experts with over 30 years of combined experience.[1][6] Key figures include co-founder and CEO Ingrid Romijn, who envisions Q*Bird as Europe's leading quantum networking supplier, alongside co-founders handling business development and research.[2][6] The idea stemmed from advancing MDI-QKD research into commercial products, addressing the looming threat of quantum computers breaking traditional encryption; early pivotal moments include collaborations with industry leaders like Cisco and KPN for a three-city prototype deployment, a quantum-safe banking demo with ABN AMRO, and a datacenter testbed with Eurofiber and Juniper.[1]
This academic-to-industry transition humanizes Q*Bird's rapid progress, from lab prototypes to secured contracts and funding, positioning it as a bridge between quantum research and real-world digital infrastructure protection.[1][2]
Q*Bird stands out in quantum security through:
These features create a robust ecosystem for quantum-safe infrastructure.[1][2][3]
Q*Bird rides the quantum security arms race, driven by advancing quantum computing that threatens RSA and ECC encryption, necessitating "harvest now, decrypt later" defenses for critical data.[1][2][3] Timing is critical as nations and enterprises race to quantum-proof networks amid regulatory pushes like EU quantum strategies; market forces include exploding demand for physics-based security in finance, ports, and telcos, with Q*Bird's scalable networks influencing ecosystem shifts toward hybrid classical-quantum infrastructures.[1][2][3] By partnering with giants like Cisco and enabling quantum internet foundations, Q*Bird accelerates adoption, fostering a resilient digital backbone in Europe and beyond, while spin-off status from TU Delft bolsters the global quantum tech cluster.[1][6]
Q*Bird's €2.5M raise fuels Falqon sales scaling and new quantum security products, targeting expansion in Europe, US, and global markets with 21 employees driving deployments.[2][3] Trends like quantum computing maturation and quantum internet protocols will shape its path, potentially evolving it from security provider to core quantum networking enabler, connecting processors and sensors at scale.[1][2] Influence may grow via more telco integrations and standards leadership, solidifying its role in uncrackable communications—echoing its Delft origins to secure tomorrow's quantum-secured world.[1][2]
