Fortifying Europe’s quantum communication – Q*Bird and BeQCI achieve the first cross-border MDI QKD link in Benelux
THIS IS A PRESS STATEMENT FROM Q*BIRD
Delft, 05 June 2025 – In collaboration with Q*Bird, the BeQCI consortium (comprising Belnet, imec, Ghent University, among others) and the Luxembourg QCI Lab (LUQCIA), have achieved a major milestone in European cybersecurity infrastructure. This achievement marks the successful deployment of a 132-kilometer quantum key distribution (QKD) link connecting Belgium and Luxembourg. It is the first cross-border Measurement Device Independent QKD (MDI QKD) quantum communication infrastructure in the Benelux region.
At the heart of this achievement is Q*Bird’s Falqon® Series, a cutting-edge, multi-user MDI QKD solution. The infrastructure now connects four nodes, including a central hub in Arlon, end nodes at the University of Luxembourg’s QCI Lab in Kirchberg and the European Space Agency (ESA) facility in Redu, creating a scalable, resilient and cost-efficient quantum network.
This milestone showcases how European collaboration and deep-tech innovation can address one of the most urgent threats of our digital age. With our MDI QKD technology, we continue to demonstrate that scalable, multi-node quantum networks are no longer theoretical; they are operational and critical for securing quantum network infrastructure.
“It’s a different technology than in Ghent, where BeQCI connected two locations via one dedicated line,” says Jo Segaert, Network Engineer at Belnet. “The aim is to test this new technology for other types of applications. Working with this technology via a central node can be more cost-efficient and, above all, scalable, as it allows us to connect additional nodes later.”
Quantum threats demand quantum solutions
Traditional cryptography systems rely on computational complexity, which will be rendered obsolete by quantum computers. This looming threat, often referred to as “Q-Day,” highlights the need for quantum-resistant communication channels. The ability to intercept data today and decrypt it tomorrow with quantum computing poses severe risks for governments, institutions and critical infrastructure.
QKD addresses this by using quantum principles, specifically the no-cloning theorem to ensure that any attempt to intercept cryptography keys alters the quantum state and is thus detectable. Q*Bird’s MDI QKD solution further eliminates all security vulnerabilities in the detection devices themselves, which have plagued other QKD systems, making it technically resilient under emerging quantum-safe communication standards.
“We are not just proving that the tech works,” explains Slater. “With our Falqon® Series solution, Q*Bird is setting the bar for security compliance, and auditability in a future where quantum threats are real, and trust in communication infrastructure is both legally mandated and technologically enforced.“
From cross-border connectivity to a quantum internet
This deployment forms a critical part of EuroQCI, the European Union’s flagship initiative to build a secure quantum communication network across all member states. The Q*Bird backed network introduces a centralised node architecture allowing easier onboarding of new institutions, greater cost efficiency and enhanced network scalability.
The successful integration of this system into the LUQCIA testbed also enables the interoperability testing of different QKD technologies and quantum key management systems (KMS), which is vital for a federated European quantum internet.
“This is a pivotal first step,” says Jorge Luis González Rios, Technical Coordinator, LUQCIA. “Together with Q*Bird, we are building the fabric of tomorrow’s ultra-secure digital infrastructure. Interoperability across platforms will be key to realizing a quantum-resilient Europe.”
Next steps: Collaborating for a quantum-resilient Europe
The deployment is part of the EuroQCI initiative, a program focused on developing and industrializing next-generation QKD devices and essential components for future quantum networks. This infrastructure will support QKD applications as a quantum-resistant cryptography solution. In the longer term, it will lay the foundation for a quantum internet, facilitating ultra-secure connections between quantum network devices.
As quantum computing advances, regulators, enterprises and governments must act now. The legal frameworks surrounding critical data security are already evolving, with quantum-safe cryptography expected to become a compliance mandate across the EU in the near future.
“We are proud to contribute to Europe’s quantum-secure future: one node, one connection, one milestone at a time. This is not just about quantum, it’s about building trust in the systems we rely on every day.“
About Q*Bird
Q*Bird is a leader in quantum-secure communication, based in Delft, The Netherlands. We provide cutting-edge solutions and expert support to ensure your data security.
Our unique technology enables ultra-secure communication networks for critical infrastructure and commercial use.
Q*Bird’s network technology uses the laws of quantum physics to provide proven secure cryptography keys that are immune to interception, ensuring your data remains safe from eavesdropping. Our Falqon® Series delivers a next-generation solution for Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), offering unequalled security, scalability and flexibility without relying on trusted nodes, ensuring your data stays protected in transit, now and into the quantum future.
As we secure today’s networks against quantum threats, we are building toward the future, developing technologies that will enable the quantum internet, including connectivity solutions for quantum processors, modems and sensors. This ensures organisations are prepared for the advent of the quantum internet and ready to harness its full potential.
Join us at the forefront of quantum innovation and learn how the Falqon® Series can protect your organisation from data breaches and future-proof your network security against quantum threats!
For more information, visit www.q-bird.nl, contact info@q-bird.nl, or follow Q*Bird on LinkedIn.
About the University of Luxembourg
The University of Luxembourg is an internationally renowned centre for research, innovation, and higher education. It is distinguished by its multilingual character and international outlook. Its ambitious research is recognised internationally, and it benefits from outstanding facilities and strong institutional support. The University drives interdisciplinary research and study to tackle tomorrow’s societal challenges, focusing on digital transformation, health, and sustainable development.
Founded in 2003, this young, growing university provides ample opportunity for creativity and innovative thinking. Its diverse community of students, researchers and staff are encouraged to explore new approaches and collaborations.
One of its strengths is the close, supportive relationship between students and teachers. With 1,600 members of academic staff for 5,700 Bachelor and Master students, as well as 1,000+ PhD students, the University offers a personal atmosphere that helps students feel connected and valued on their academic journey. The University is also a reflection of Luxembourg itself: multicultural and multilingual.
Times Higher Education has ranked Uni.lu 20th in its Young University Rankings 2024, placing it among the world’s top 250 universities. In 2025, Uni.lu proudly joined The Guild, an alliance of 23 research-intensive universities in Europe. Thanks to its strong research focus, supportive community and diverse environment, the University of Luxembourg is an excellent place to study, work and grow.
