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Results from the Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge in Life Sciences and Health

QDNL is pleased to showcase the first projects to receive funding under its Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge programme. The programme’s first open call invited applicants to create roadmaps for quantum solutions that will deliver real end user value in the life sciences and health industries.  In the initial stage, project leaders and partners are asked to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate their R&amp;D approach and the early-stage business opportunity, before investing heavily in R&amp;D. Grant recipients must complete this phase by December 31, 2026.

QDNL’s Quantum Solutions Forward Challenges are designed to enable researchers, industries, and end users to deepen their innovation potential and create value using quantum solutions made for the sectors of those end-users. This first call marks the beginning of a broader ambition to apply a challenge-based model across multiple sectors, ensuring that experts can co-develop ambitious, societally relevant solutions. The following projects are currently underway as part of the inaugural Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge.

A new challenge model that encourages industry collaboration

High failure rates and rising trial complexity have put drug R&amp;D productivity under pressure. A new collaboration between Leiden University (<a href="https://aqa.liacs.nl/">aQa</a> and <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research">LACDR</a>), SURF, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, TNO, CWI, and the University of Amsterdam, unites Dutch expertise in quantum software, generative AI, machine learning, and drug design, to address challenges in R&amp;D productivity and improve drug optimisation processes. While classical generative AI methods can support disease research, the results are often unreliable due to an inefficient ability to explore the astronomically large search space of molecules. Quantum computing may support far more accurate predictive modelling of molecular systems that are hard to compute with classical methods alone. This means that quantum computers could help generate prediction-improving datasets beyond the capabilities of classical computing models.  The proposed study considers both generative AI and machine learning approaches to find the chemically valid and synthesizable candidate molecules that have the potential to disrupt a disease pathway – a method known as Hit Identification. Success with this approach will mean faster drug design, discovery of new molecular families, fewer dead ends in the research phase, and improved credibility of in-silico drug discovery.

Quantum software development through generative AI and machine learning for drug discovery

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, and atherosclerosis is a major underlying condition. QT Sense, a fast-growing startup using quantum sensing to advance drug research, has partnered with the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), an innovative research hospital, to address the rapid progression of cardiovascular disease.  The project proposal indicates that the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease can be better understood through the study of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an unpaired electron that easily chemically reacts1. They are critical, yet poorly understood, factors in the rapid progression of atherosclerosis specifically.  The Cardio-Q project uses diamond-based quantum sensing to dynamically map free radical generation with nanoscale precision, improving the abilities to both predict complications and evaluate cardiovascular drug efficacy.

Cardio-Q: Quantum sensing for cardiovascular diagnosis and drug testing

The QS-BCMAP project focuses on the application of quantum sensing in the field of biomolecular condensates, enabling study of their chemical and structural dynamics at previously unstudied temporal and spatial resolution. The project is led by Leiden University under the direction of principal investigator Alireza Mashaghi and conducted in partnership with QT Sense. Quantum sensing is a non-invasive approach, allowing for real-time monitoring of cell components. Real-time monitoring through sensing offers more precise, reliable results compared to classical methods and has significant implications on understanding cellular organisation and enabling further innovation in disease diagnostics and drug discovery.  If successful, the project will establish the foundation for a larger R&amp;D effort to develop quantum-enabled analytical tools for the life sciences, opening new avenues for precision medicine and pharmaceutical advancement.

QS-BCMAP: Quantum sensing biomolecular condensates for medical and pharmaceutical applications

The Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge highlights the importance of user-centric projects and industry and research collaborations across the life sciences and health industry. Quantum technologies are opening new possibilities in biomedical research, diagnostics, and drug development, but their value must be tested with end users in realistic application contexts.

Advancing Dutch quantum and life science industry collaboration

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Marike Boertien

First projects announced in Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge

During Quantum Meets 2026, the Research and Innovation Action Line within the QDNL programme hosted a pitch competition. Attendees and judges heard from six emerging voices in quantum innovation, showcasing their work across quantum computing, quantum networking and quantum sensing.Ultimately, Elisa Pioldi, a PhD student in post-quantum cryptography at the Eindhoven University of Technology, delivered the winning pitch – wowing both the judges and fellow researchers with her comprehensive research, confidence and professionalism.Following her successful pitch, we asked Elisa about her research and the value of pitching in competitions like these.  Could you describe your research in your own words and what led you to this field of study?Many of today&#039;s building blocks for secure communication methods, commonly known as &quot;cryptography&quot;, are based on mathematical problems that are labelled as &quot;hard&quot;. This means that even supercomputers would take millennia to solve them.The advent of quantum computers, which are expected to solve these hard problems quickly, poses a threat to the privacy and security currently ensured by classical cryptography. If quantum computers can solve the hard problems on which classical cryptography relies, then the building blocks of secure communication are compromised.This is where my research comes in: we have to change the way we do cryptography. We need to base it on problems that are considered &quot;hard&quot; even for quantum computers. This is what is called &quot;post-quantum cryptography&quot;, which is resistant to attacks from quantum computers.In particular, I focus on &quot;protocols&quot;, which are not just these building blocks, but also the complex interactions between them and the different actors involved.

"It was love at first sight with cryptography. I have always enjoyed solving puzzles and enigmas, as well as reading and writing mystery stories. Cryptography is the perfect intersection of these interests with mathematics and computer security."

How many times have you pitched your work to an audience, and what is something you have learned from the pitch process?I have spoken about my research many times, but this was the first time I had to &quot;pitch&quot; it.However, I adopted the same process I do with all presentations. I don&#039;t try to explain everything, but I try to help my audience understand everything I say (and enjoy it in the process!). To do this successfully, I usually adopt a narrative style, like telling a story, and enrich it with graphics and animations.

"When doing this kind of outreach, where the audience is broad (rather than being highly technical), I imagine explaining my work to my parents, who do not have a mathematical or technical background. If they can understand my pitch, then I know I am doing it right."

I am always excited to talk about my research, especially when I feel it could have an impact on the people listening. Every speaking opportunity is a chance to enrich someone&#039;s knowledge about what I do and what I am passionate about, and I always try to convey my enthusiasm through the way I speak.What do you see as the value of these types of pitch “competitions”?Researchers often focus mainly on the technical details of their work when giving talks, assuming that the audience already has the necessary background. Therefore, they spend little time on the broader context.Competitions encourage researchers to rethink this approach. In particular, pitch competitions with a broad audience push contestants to explain the context and importance of their research, rather than simply presenting the latest technical results.Science needs to be communicated beyond the research community in order to grow and have a broader impact. Making it accessible to people outside the field is just as important as sharing it with experts. QDNL is pleased to support programmes that encourage ongoing dialogue and open new opportunities for both emerging and established researchers.

PhD student Elisa Pioldi wins pitch competition at Quantum Meets 2026

The Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS), in collaboration with QDNL and Leiden University, has released a new vision paper titled &quot;From Quantum Enthusiasm to Quantum Engagement.&quot; The paper contends that as quantum technologies approach practical use, communication should shift from merely generating awareness to actively building public trust, fostering dialogue, and enabling meaningful engagement. Led by Dr. ir. Julia Cramer, head of the Quantum and Society group, the jointly authored paper reflects on the importance of interweaving doing science communication with researching it for maximum impact and responsibility. The publication addresses essential questions: What exactly are we communicating about quantum technologies, and, more importantly, why? Are communications intended to boost hype, or are they fostering public understanding and developing a workforce that can sustain the future quantum ecosystem? “If we believe quantum technologies have the potential to transform encryption, influence geopolitics and revolutionise medicine, then we also have a responsibility to engage society while the technology is still shapeable,” the authors write. Diederick Croese, director of the Centre for Quantum and Society, highlighted the strategic contribution of this initiative as it represents a step towards priming societal readiness and giving it the same rigour as technological readiness.

“Communicating the close connection between quantum innovation and its societal impact makes it more accessible to a broad audience. We want people to have the tools to understand both how the technology works and, on a deeper level, why it matters.”

Rather than relying on the traditional “deficit model” of science communication—which assumes that public scepticism stems from a lack of knowledge and can be addressed by providing more information—the paper argues for an evidence-based, participatory approach. Research shows that increasing scientific literacy alone does not necessarily build trust or public support.Instead, the authors call for communication that enables genuine dialogue. The public does not simply need an explanation of quantum physics. People need opportunities to discuss how quantum technologies affect society and to feel genuinely included in these conversations.The paper also stresses the value of expertise beyond the natural sciences. Insights from communication science, anthropology, philosophy, social sciences, and the arts can help create approaches that resonate widely and support responsible innovation.

Building towards public engagement

The vision paper proposes three core approaches for making communication around QS&amp;T more effective in driving public engagement:<ul><li>A shared language: developing communication that moves beyond technical jargon towards a model based on trust, agency and shared inquiry, enabling more people to participate in democratic discussions about quantum technologies. </li><li>Strategic thinking: designing communication with clearly defined objectives, tailored to different audiences, and evaluating success from the perspective of public engagement rather than expert expectations alone.</li><li>Evaluating outcomes: measuring the impact of communication activities not only through knowledge acquisition but also through changes in trust, attitudes, interest and people’s sense of agency.</li></ul>The authors emphasise that communication activities should be evidence-based, build on previous experience, and be rigorously evaluated to understand what works in practice.As quantum technologies continue to mature, the authors conclude that communication should be recognised as an essential component of responsible innovation. Building public trust and creating opportunities for meaningful societal dialogue will be as important to the future of quantum as scientific and technological advances themselves.

Three pillars for communicating quantum science and technology

Vania López

Successfully communicating quantum: from enthusiasm to engagement

This is a press announcement from Q*Bird.Q*Bird today announced the launch of the Falqon® Key Manager, a standalone quantum key management system designed to enable scalable, interoperable and hybrid quantum secure networks.As organisations prepare for the quantum era, the challenge is no longer limited to generating quantum secure cryptographic keys. While Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as one of the most promising technologies for securing sensitive communications, organisations are increasingly focused on how to operationalise and scale quantum secure communications across distributed infrastructures. Quantum secure migration initiatives are accelerating globally, driven by emerging national and international cybersecurity strategies and growing requirements for quantum security across government, critical infrastructure and highly regulated environments.Government agencies, defence organisations, telecom operators and critical infrastructure providers require secure communications across diverse operational environments. These environments include cloud, operational technology networks, remote facilities, edge locations and distributed infrastructure environments. While Q*Bird&#039;s scalable MDI-QKD (Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution) architectures provide the foundation for securing mission-critical communications and multipoint-to-multipoint quantum secure networks, organisations may also operate across environments where direct QKD deployment is not always practical or available, including cloud environments and third-party infrastructures.As quantum secure communication infrastructures scale across multiple sites and network environments, organisations require the ability to securely manage, distribute and deliver Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) keys, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) keys and hybrid keys across distributed infrastructures. This requires an operational key management layer capable of bridging QKD and non-QKD environments while delivering crypto agility, resilience, and scalable hybrid quantum secure networking.From quantum links to quantum secure networksThe Falqon® Key Manager is a standalone Quantum Key Management System (QKMS) designed to enable scalable, interoperable and hybrid quantum secure network deployments. By combining QKD, PQC and PKI-based key distribution methods within a unified key management architecture, the Falqon® Key Manager natively supports the delivery of QKD keys, PQC keys and hybrid keys across distributed network infrastructures. This enables organisations to build resilient quantum secure communication infrastructures that leverage both quantum and classical quantum-resistant technologies.

Acting as the secure layer between key generation technologies and consuming applications, the Falqon® Key Manager enables organisations to securely ingest, store, synchronise and deliver cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures. It bridges QKD and non-QKD environments, extends quantum secure network beyond QKD-enabled locations and enables hybrid key deployments, trusted-node architectures, the interconnection of distributed quantum secure infrastructures and the integration of multiple QKD domains within a unified key management architecture. It provides secure key lifecycle management across applications, encryptors and network environments, enabling the operationalisation of quantum secure network at scale.“QKD and PQC are not competing technologies. They solve different problems and will increasingly operate together. Organisations need a secure way to combine these technologies within a unified architecture while securely managing cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures. That capability becomes increasingly important as quantum secure networks scale. That is exactly what the Falqon® Key Manager is designed to do,” said Dr. Joshua Slater, CTO at Q*Bird.Enabling hybrid quantum secure networkingThe Falqon® Key Manager is designed to address evolving integration requirements across quantum networking ecosystems, reducing operational complexity associated with fragmented key infrastructures, duplicated integrations and vendor lock-in. It delivers a standards-based and multi-vendor environment while enabling organisations to evolve their quantum secure infrastructure over time.Dr. Joshua Slater, CTO at Q*Bird added, “The industry has spent years proving that QKD works. The next challenge is scale. Organisations need to secure cloud environments, edge locations, operational technology networks and critical infrastructure sites where QKD cannot always be deployed directly. At the same time, they need to combine QKD, Post-Quantum Cryptography and PKI-based key distribution methods within a crypto-agile and resilient operational architecture.”Advancing Q*Bird’s vision for quantum secure infrastructureThe launch represents an important milestone in Q*Bird’s broader vision of delivering the infrastructure required for scalable quantum secure communications. The Falqon® Key Manager expands Q*Bird’s portfolio beyond quantum key generation and network orchestration by introducing the standalone operational key management layer required for scalable hybrid quantum secure networks.“As organisations move from pilot deployments towards operational quantum secure networks, they require more than key generation technologies. They need infrastructure that can securely manage cryptographic keys across distributed environments, support hybrid deployments, enable crypto agility and resilience and scale across entire organisations. The Falqon® Key Manager provides that foundation,” shares Dr. Ingrid Romijn, CEO and Co-Founder at Q*Bird.The launch reflects a broader industry shift where operational deployment, interoperability and scalability across diverse network environments have become key requirements for quantum secure networking.“Government, defence, telecom and critical infrastructure operators are already preparing for the transition to quantum secure communications. The challenge is no longer whether quantum secure communications are possible, but how to deploy them at scale. The Falqon® Key Manager accelerate that transition by enabling scalable hybrid quantum secure networks across distributed infrastructures,” shares Dr. Ingrid Romijn, CEO and Co-Founder at Q*Bird.Built for security-critical environmentsThe Falqon® Key Manager is designed for security sensitive environments, including government, defence, telecom and critical infrastructure deployments. Security sensitive deployments often require flexible deployment models aligned with operational, compliance and infrastructure requirements. The Falqon® Key Manager can be deployed within Q*Bird’s QKD Nodes, as a separate on-premise KMS device, on customer-provided on-premise servers, or within customer-provided cloud environments.“Organisations require the flexibility to deploy quantum secure infrastructure in a manner aligned with their operational and security requirements. The Falqon® Key Manager was designed to provide secure key lifecycle management across distributed environments while maintaining operational simplicity and resilience,” added Dani van der Meer, Lead Software Engineer at Q*Bird.Building the foundation for scalable quantum secure communicationsTogether with the Falqon® MDI-QKD Series and Quantum Domain Controller (QDC), the Falqon® Key Manager forms part of Q*Bird’s end-to-end quantum secure networking portfolio.The Falqon® QKD Series provides the quantum key generation layer, including Q*Bird’s Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) systems, while the Falqon® Key Manager delivers the operational key management capabilities required to securely ingest, store, synchronise and deliver cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures.By bridging QKD and non-QKD environments, enabling the delivery of QKD keys, PQC keys and hybrid keys across distributed infrastructures, the Falqon® Key Manager provides the operational foundation for scalable hybrid quantum secure networks.As quantum networking ecosystems continue to mature, organisations increasingly require infrastructure capable of delivering interoperability, crypto agility and operational resilience across diverse network environments. The Falqon® Key Manager is designed to provide the operational foundation for the next generation of scalable quantum secure communications.

Delft

Q*Bird launches the Falqon® Key Manager to enable scalable quantum secure networks

From 19-21 May, we brought together the Dutch and international quantum communities for our annual Quantum Meets event. This year followed a different format from past years. The main event and ecosystem tours brought together members of the quantum community in meaningful ways, building new connections and opening the door to further innovation and collaboration opportunities. More than once, we heard from guests that Quantum Meets offered the unique opportunity for contributors of all types - researchers, business leaders, policymakers, and students - to meet in one space. We are grateful to all hosts, speakers, exhibitors and participants, who brought such immense curiosity, openness and positive energy to Quantum Meets.We are grateful to our speakers, co-hosts, exhibitors and partners, who all contributed significantly in making this week a success. In the months ahead, let’s continue to build on the conversations started at this year’s event, focusing on technological progress and meaningful partnerships. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year, and we hope you will save the dates for next year’s event, scheduled for 18-21 May 2027!

Check out images from this year's event!

A recap of Quantum Meets 2026

On 30 March 2026, Qubitrium launched its 1U CubeSat payload (a small satellite about the size of a loaf of bread), QubitCore, into low Earth orbit. The payload rode aboard the SpaceX mission. D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier (a spacecraft that deploys satellites into their final orbits) placed it precisely into orbit.Just weeks later, QubitCore successfully generated its first quantum keys in space.This marked a global first for a CubeSat-scale quantum payload, and a major milestone for Qubitrium.Founded in 2020 by Dr. Kadir Durak, who earned his PhD in atomic/molecular physics at the National University of Singapore, Qubitrium is a deep-tech company specialising in the design and manufacturing of quantum hardware. While the company is headquartered in Turkey, it also has a strong technical presence at HoQ in Delft.​As soon as the technology entered orbit, it earned the right to “space heritage” – a term used across the industry to distinguish technology that has proven operational success in space. With a new designation as space-compatible, the QubitCore became commercially available for satellite operators and telecommunications providers worldwide.​QubitCore excelled under real orbital conditions. It demonstrated thermal stability, operating flawlessly over a temperature range of 0°C to 35°C. The device continuously generated over 500 quantum keys (each 256 bits long) per second. These quantum keys underwent rigorous statistical testing, confirming their randomness according to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.While Qubitrium is proud of this success, they understand that this is just the first step in a longer process of advancing quantum-secure internet.“Seeing QubitCore successfully deploy into orbit is the ultimate validation of our deep-tech engineering,&quot; said Dr. Kadir Durak, Founder of Qubitrium. &quot;We have proven that our hardware can withstand the rigours of space and deliver the security the future demands. Our next step is clear: we are scaling up our production capacity and expanding our global partnerships to ensure that quantum-secure infrastructure becomes the global standard.”Read more about Qubitirum and their work here: <a href="https://qubitrium.tech/">https://qubitrium.tech/</a>

Qubitrium launches QubitCore hardware into space

In an era of polycrisis, polarisation, Big Tech dominance, and democratic disenfranchisement, the question of how emerging technologies can be rendered meaningful with respect to the needs, values and expectations of societal stakeholders becomes ever more important. Quantum technologies provide a particularly timely testbed for thinking through this pressing question in a modern innovation context; how we answer this question has profound implications for realising the aspiration of ‘’Quantum for Good’. A recent workshop, organised by the Ethics of Quantum Technologies research team at TU Delft, set out to learn lessons from past and present attempts to develop societally meaningful technologies, to inform contemporary efforts to orient the innovation of quantum technologies towards ‘the Good’.  An array of transdisciplinary experts, ranging from policymakers, quantum scientists, and ELSA researchers, were brought together for two days of informative talks and illuminating discussions. Several significant insights emerged with relevance for rendering quantum technologies societally meaningful. On the one hand, the major challenge of implementing the democratic governance of and for meaningfultechnologies was acknowledged. On the other hand, there was shared recognition about the conditions that should be in place in order to genuinely pursue meaningful technologies. For instance, there is a need for clarity regarding the relevant and important issues to focus on, alongside knowledge and responsiveness regarding what specific technologies allow in terms of their deployment, and whether other technologies may be more appropriate.  The fundamental importance of shaping technological meaning democratically and in ways that promote solidarity was another important theme. A perspective that can support the goal of shared meanings is that of a multi-level innovation ecosystem – a complex web of mutual dependencies between diverse actors at different levels, centred around novel technological artefacts with their own material possibilities and limitations. Understanding these dependencies – and uncovering the resultant power imbalances to which they give rise – arose as being essential for achieving shared meanings with genuine relevance across the whole of society. Another significant insight was that the meaningfulness of technology arises at the intersection of impact, adoption, and governance; societal meaning is achieved when these factors align to support transformative social change. This was reflected in, for example, the importance of meaningful standardisation of new technologies, ensuring that they remain relevantly connected to the needs and interests of stakeholders, and implemented at the appropriate level of technological readiness, so as not to suffocate potentially transformative innovation.  Lastly, an important open question was identified regarding the uniqueness of quantum compared to previous technologies, and whether there are unique obstacles to rendering quantum technologies societally meaningful. Several suggestions were put forward: quantum technologies are uniquely difficult to render societally meaningful due to public perceptions of quantum as mysterious, esoteric, and their impacts that are at a remove from in contrast to other more graspable technologies; the unique geopolitical context in which quantum technologies are emerging – and the narratives of competition and threat engendered by this context – make it especially difficult to render quantum technologies societally meaningful for all stakeholders. These insights suggest several fruitful lines for further inquiry and set an agenda for the future of the aim of “Quantum for Good.” Developing quantum technologies in a societally meaningful way will require continuous collaboration between academia, policy, and society; the success of this transdisciplinary workshop therefore provides a model for future progress towards more meaningful innovation.

Clare Shelley-Egan

Reflection on the workshop findings

The past and future of developing meaningful technologies with and for society: the case of quantum for good

Delft, 23 March 2026 – Q*Bird, the Dutch leader in quantum secure communication, in collaboration with the Walton Institute at South East Technological University in Waterford (SETU), has deployed Ireland’s first multi-node, entanglement-based Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) network. The deployment forms part of the IrelandQCI project, the country’s national quantum communications initiative and a key contributor to EuroQCI, the EU-wide federated quantum communications infrastructure.Operating over Ireland’s existing fibre infrastructure, the telecom-grade network transitions quantum security from research environments into live national infrastructure. It safeguards research, education and critical systems while enabling interoperable quantum connectivity across Ireland and Europe.Importantly, it has been designed from the start with an expandable architecture in mind, so that any additional Q*Bird QKD Node can connect to the network with a single fiber link and then gain full quantum connectivity around the network.

“This multi-node deployment represents a major milestone for Ireland’s national quantum infrastructure. By integrating Q*Bird’s operational MDI-QKD Falqon® Series across research institutions, data centers and national networks, we are enabling secure, interoperable quantum communication while also creating a platform for other research institutions to join. It strengthens Ireland’s sovereignty over critical communications and contributes directly to EuroQCI and Europe’s federated quantum network vision.”

The hub-and-spoke architectural network comprises of four End Nodes, one Center Hub and one Quantum Optical Switch for a scalable metropolitan deployment and uses ESB Telecoms dark fibre for the quantum communication channel. The End Nodes are in two Dublin data centres, Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin, while the Center Hub is hosted at ASIERA (formerly HEAnet), Ireland’s National Education and Research Network. The collaborative expertise of Walton Institute at SETU, ASIERA and Q*Bird were responsible for the successful deployment of the highly secure connection between the strategic Dublin city locations. The Q*Bird Quantum-Optimized Optical Switch enables dynamic, secure routing of qubits around the network, ensuring full multi-node connectivity of QKD keys, without relying on trusted intermediaries.

At the core of the network is Q*Bird’s Falqon® Series, enabling entanglement-based quantum key distribution over operational fibre networks. Detector-side exploits have been identified by security authorities, including Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), as the most critical attack vector in earlier QKD implementations. Q*Bird’s devices completely remove the requirement to trust any measurement devices, thus establishing an architecture with a security model resilient against both present-day cyber threats and future quantum-enabled attacks.This ensures long-term cryptographic protection for sensitive research data, governmental communications and critical infrastructure systems, while addressing harvest-now-decrypt-later (HNDL) risk scenarios.

Industry-grade security for research, education and critical infrastructure

The network’s hub-and-spoke architecture of Q*Bird devices, along with the Quantum Optical Switch, enables precise synchronisation, dynamic routing and multi-node quantum key distribution. Designed for interoperability and compatibility with existing fibre infrastructure, it provides an open foundation for future integration with emerging quantum technologies such as quantum processors, sensors and modems.

Interoperability by design, resilience by architecture

“With this deployment, we continue demonstrating that secure, multi-node quantum networks are not theoretical constructs but operational systems ready for national infrastructure. By combining field-proven hardware with MDI-QKD protocols, we deliver infrastructure resilient against both contemporary cyber threats and future quantum attacks. With this deployment, we are fully prepared for expansion and collaboration with additional research and educational institutions.”

Dr. Ingrid Romijn, CEO and Co-Founder of Q*Bird, added, “National security cannot depend on laboratory-grade assumptions. Quantum security must operate within live infrastructure, under real-world conditions. Ireland’s deployment not only reinforces Ireland’s position as a European hub for quantum secure connectivity, but also shows that scalable, sovereign and interoperable quantum networks can be implemented today over existing fibre and integrated directly into national communications infrastructure.”

Towards a federated European quantum network

“As quantum computing advances, defensive architectures must evolve accordingly. By eliminating detector vulnerabilities and enabling interoperable, cross-border quantum key distribution, we are building infrastructure that protects current communication networks and the integrity of future digital infrastructure.”

Q*Bird’s Falqon® Series has been purpose-built for operational, interoperable and sovereign quantum communications, supporting metropolitan, national and cross-border deployments. By securing Ireland’s research and education backbone and critical digital assets, this deployment positions Ireland as a key operational node within EuroQCI. Designed, engineered and field-proven, the Q*Bird quantum network demonstrates how entanglement-based MDI-QKD can form the backbone of Europe’s future quantum secure infrastructure that is scalable, vendor-interoperable and resilient against the full spectrum of present and future threats.With this milestone deployment, Q*Bird and Walton Institute at SETU, reinforce Ireland’s leadership in quantum secure communication and accelerate the transition from quantum research to quantum resilient infrastructure. The network delivers a future-ready, scalable foundation for expanding Ireland’s quantum connectivity, enabling new research, education, and critical infrastructure partners to join the secure, interoperable ecosystem.

Q*Bird and Walton Institute deploy QKD network with expandable architecture

This week, we sat down with Deepak Veeregowda, CEO of QT Sense, to discuss how quantum sensing tools are enabling researchers to view cellular changes in real time and how dynamic observation can help pharma “fail faster” in the drug discovery process—ultimately leading to less costly drugs and quicker time-to-market. Deepak will join Philippe Bouyer, QDNL chair of the board, and Richard van Harderwijk, QDNL’s Program Manager Business Ecosystem, on stage at <a href="https://www.hyphenprojects.nl/i4h/">Innovation for Health</a> next week. Their discussion will explore how quantum technologies are already influencing work within the life sciences and health industries, and the potential of these technologies to enhance both efficiency and competitiveness in drug discovery and testing. Drug discovery is often a long and complex process with many unknown variables. In your view, what are the most significant limitations researchers now face when trying to understand how drugs interact with diseases at the cellular level?  One of the biggest limitations is that most tools still provide static snapshots of biology rather than dynamic insight. Researchers often measure endpoints—cell death, gene expression, or biomarker levels—after the biology has already unfolded. That makes it difficult to understand how a drug produced its effect.Another challenge is biological averaging. Many assessments collapse thousands of cells into a single signal, which masks heterogeneity. In diseases like cancer or inflammation, the most important signals often come from small subpopulations of cells.Finally, many techniques are destructive or unsettle the system, meaning you can’t follow the same cells over time. As a result, researchers often miss the timing and sequence of events that determine whether a therapy succeeds or fails. QT Sense has developed biomicroscopes that allow researchers to observe cellular behaviour in real time. How does this impact the way scientists can study drug-disease interactions?  Our technology allows scientists to observe cellular stress responses in real time inside living cells, rather than inferring them later from endpoint assessments. By using quantum sensing with fluorescent nanodiamonds, we can measure free radical activity and relate it to oxidative stress at single-cell and subcellular resolution without destroying the sample.This fundamentally changes the questions researchers can ask. Instead of simply asking whether a drug works, they can ask when it works, how the cell responds over time, and which cells respond differently.Dynamic observation can reveal the sequence and timing of biological events. Researchers can therefore detect early stress signals, transient responses, or adaptation mechanisms that would never appear in a single endpoint measurement. It also allows scientists to see heterogeneity—how different cells respond differently to the same drug, which is often the key to understanding resistance or incomplete treatment responses. In an earlier conversation, you mentioned that QT Sense helps pharma R&amp;D teams “fail faster.” What does failing faster mean in the context of drug discovery, and how can earlier insights into cellular interactions help pharmaceutical teams make better decisions about which compounds to pursue?“Failing faster” means identifying weak or risky drug candidates earlier, before companies invest years of development and significant capital. By observing cellular responses in real time, researchers can detect early stress signals, mitochondrial dysfunction, or ineffective mechanisms of action long before traditional toxicity or efficacy endpoints appear. This allows teams to stop, redesign, or reprioritise compounds much earlier. A good example comes from work connected to our collaboration in the United States on ONC201 and related analogue for glioblastoma. One of the key questions in that program has been understanding why and how ONC201 induces stress responses in tumour cells and whether those responses are causally linked to therapeutic activity. Using QT Sense’s real-time sensing of intracellular free radical dynamics, we can directly observe how glioblastoma cells respond to treatment and map the sequence of cellular stress events triggered by the drug. At Innovation for Health later this week, you’ll be discussing how advanced bio-modelling technologies are shaping the future of medicine. What developments do you think will have the biggest impact on drug discovery in the next five to ten years? Three trends will have the biggest impact. First, more predictive human bio-models—organoids, organ-on-chip systems, and complex cell cultures. Second, the integration of multi-omics with real-time functional biology allows researchers to link molecular signatures with actual cellular behaviour. And third, single-cell analytics combined with AI, which will help interpret complex biological responses and guide better drug design.

Ultimately, the future of drug discovery will be about observing biology as it happens, rather than measuring it after the fact.

Innovation for Health takes place at Jaarbeurs Utrecht on 26 March 2026. Additional details can be found <a href="https://www.hyphenprojects.nl/i4h/programme-2026">here</a>.

Richard van Harderwijk

The future of drug discovery with quantum sensing

As part of the QDNL <a href="https://qdnl.nl/visitors-programme">Visitor’s Programme</a>, Hans Heum, a post-quantum cryptography expert from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Applied Cryptology Lab, visited the Netherlands to engage with researchers, educators and students across the Dutch quantum ecosystem. The goal of the visit was to advance knowledge exchange in quantum cryptography and explore new opportunities for collaboration.Throughout his visit, Hans contributed to a wide range of activities across research and education. He expertly facilitated a game sprint at the Creative Quantum Seminar, an event which is focused on using interactive approaches to engage participants with quantum concepts. He also delivered guest lectures on quantum cryptography to students in the Applied Quantum Technology Master’s programme and to Applied Mathematics and Physics teachers at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS).In addition to his educational contributions, Hans connected directly with several research groups. He gave the guest lecture to the aQa group at Leiden University, visited Kathrin Hövelmanns at the Eindhoven University of Technology to explore collaboration opportunities, and met with Christian Schaffner and other researchers at QuSoft to discuss shared interests in modelling quantum attacks and quantum-secure cryptography.The visit led to the identification of promising collaboration opportunities, inspired both students and educators, and engaged a broader audience through Hans&#039;s work with the quantum games. The visit also resulted in the exchange of educational tools developed in both Norway and the Netherlands, including the TiqTaqToe dice game developed by Hans in exchange for the Bloch sphere game created by LiS and THUAS students.The QDNL Visitor Programme supports knowledge exchange to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem.

Nathalie Thielen

QDNL Visitor’s Programme Spotlight: Hans Heum explores quantum cryptography collaboration in the Netherlands

From 2026, the Netherlands is participating in three out of the five strategic European pilot lines as part of the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the European Chips Act: Superconducting European Quantum Pilot Line (SUPREME), Photonics for Quantum (P4Q), and Semiconductor Pilot Line for Industrial Quantum NanoSystems (SPINS). All three pilots are delivered by consortia of European partners, with the Netherlands playing a vital role due to its strengths in qubit technologies and photonics.The pilot lines focus on accelerating the development and scaling of semiconductor, superconductor and photonic technologies for commercial and industrial use, strengthening Europe’s technological resilience.

QDNL coordinated the national consortia and led both the strategic proposal review process and the distribution of funding to Dutch participants. Funding is made available through QDNL, NanoLabNL, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) manages the Netherlands’ participation in the pilot lines.Beyond financial support, QDNL ensures integration of the European projects into its existing catalyst programmes in computing, networking and sensing.

Support from QDNL furthers the national mission

“We have a clear vision for how quantum technology will evolve over the next decade and the role we want the Netherlands to play in that future. This is also reflected in Quantum Valley, our contribution to the recent Wennink report, which pushes for continued strategic investment into scaling the quantum industry. Participation in the pilot lines allows us to turn that vision into action by strengthening Dutch contributions to qubit technologies, components and systems integration.”

SUPREME focuses on increasing the fabrication maturity of device-based quantum technologies. Its first phase aims to establish stable processes for superconducting chips and devices, improving repeatability and yield while beginning to offer pilot fabrication testing and services to European customers.Dutch participants contribute leading expertise across the consortium. Quantware supports fabrication of Josephson Junction-based qubits and 3D integration processes. Single Quantum develops superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with high repeatability and yield. QphoX advances single-photon microwave-to-optics transducers, TNO coordinates end-of-line device characterisation and advanced metrology, and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) leads capital deployment and dedicated tooling.

Superconducting European Quantum Pilot Line (SUPREME)

“Through SUPREME, we’re leveraging our technological expertise to build reliable fabrication infrastructure for superconducting quantum technology in Europe, which will directly contribute to future industrialisation and large-scale commercialisation."

Photonics for Quantum (P4Q)

Within P4Q, a consortium of 29 European partners works to improve the reliability and scalability of photonic quantum chips. Startups and research institutions in the Netherlands play an active role in advancing testing methods suitable for large-scale demonstrations and industrial production. Dutch participants in the consortium include the University of Twente (UT), TU Delft, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven), TNO, Aluvia, Delft Networks, New Origin, Q*Bird, QphoX, QuiX, and Lionix.The programme supports the development of quantum chips for enhanced sensors, full-stack quantum computers and quantum-secure communications networks, helping bring quantum technology from the lab into real-world applications.

“As the global race for quantum technology accelerates, Europe is strengthening its chip manufacturing capacity to stay at the forefront. P4Q plays a key role in bringing quantum technology into practical applications."

Semiconductor Pilot Line for Industrial Quantum NanoSystems (SPINS)

The SPINS pilot line bridges laboratory research and industrial production of semiconductor quantum-dot qubits by leveraging Europe’s existing semiconductor strengths. The programme focuses on delivering high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) semiconductor quantum chips through stable process design and established manufacturing infrastructure.Semiconductor qubits are a prominent focus in the Netherlands, positioning the country well to contribute to scaling toward the millions of qubits required for practical quantum computing. SPINS emphasises the reuse of existing European semiconductor infrastructure to maximise efficiency. Dutch partners involved in the SPINS pilot include TNO, TU Delft and Groove Quantum.

“With SPINS, we’re strengthening local manufacturing capabilities by bringing together leading semiconductor-qubit expertise and Europe’s existing infrastructure. By building on what’s already here, we can turn long-term quantum ambition into real industrial capacity."

By investing in fabrication maturity, quantum chip development and industrial-scale semiconductor qubit production, the Netherlands is strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and contributing to a more resilient and competitive European quantum ecosystem.

Pieter de Witte

Twente

Leiden

Eindhoven

Amsterdam

The Netherlands secures a strong position on three European pilot lines

<ul><li>QphoX’s new Quantum Transducer allows quantum information to travel through optical fiber networks at room temperature and over large distances.</li><li>IBM will work with the Quantum Transducer to connect superconducting qubits via the company’s Quantum Networking Unit test devices</li><li>The product will enable the growth of distributed, modular quantum computers operating across long distances</li></ul>

12 March 2026, Delft, Netherlands – Quantum technology company <a href="https://qphox.eu/">QphoX</a> has today announced the launch of the Quantum Transducer, a breakthrough product that directly aims at bridging the gap between microwave-based qubits and established optical telecommunications technologies.By enabling high-fidelity quantum state conversion, the Quantum Transducer allows quantum information to travel through optical fiber networks at room temperature and over large distances.With the Quantum Transducer, processors, memories, and sensors will seek to communicate seamlessly across distance, forming the foundation for scalable hybrid systems and future quantum networks.Enabling rapid growth in modular quantum computingThe technology behind quantum processors is advancing rapidly, yet scaling systems remains a major challenge. One of the most promising approaches to overcome this challenge is to create modular quantum computers using optical interconnects, which promise to offer near-limitless reach and expand the ways in which quantum computers could soon achieve broad quantum advantage.

“This is the first time the critical technology to interface microwave and optical systems over a low-noise, high-efficiency quantum link has been made commercially available. Thanks to our deep expertise in photonic integration and superconducting hardware, the Quantum Transducer is engineered for a possible integration into real-world quantum systems, not just laboratory demonstrations.”

“By connecting different quantum modalities, QphoX aims to create the foundation for distributed quantum computing architectures that could scale beyond today’s physical limits. We are looking forward to working with our partners and customers to explore how this link can connect quantum computing modules into large scale quantum systems.”

The Quantum Transducer is available today. IBM, a world leader in quantum computing, will be the first company to work with the Quantum Transducer to connect superconducting qubits via its Quantum Networking Unit (QNU) test devices.

“At IBM, we have a clear plan to deliver large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers by the end of this decade. As we look to build the future of computing, it is important we work with organizations such as QphoX to explore how novel technologies could help to scale quantum computers even beyond our roadmap and towards distributed networks.”

About QphoXQphoX is the leading developer of quantum transduction systems that enable quantum computers to network over optical frequencies. Leveraging decades of progress in photonic, MEMS and superconducting device nanofabrication, their single-photon interfaces bridge the gap between microwave, optical and telecom frequencies to provide essential quantum links between computation, state storage and networking. QphoX is based in Delft, the Netherlands.See <a href="https://www.qphox.eu/">https://www.qphox.eu/</a> for more information.Media Contacts:QphoX: Simon Gröblacher, CEO, <a href="mailto:press@qphox.eu">press@qphox.eu</a>

QPHOX LAUNCHES BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCT

As part of the Dutch delegation attending the APS Global Physics Summit, Johannes Jobst, founder and CEO of QuantaMap, will present the first data from a new microscope developed with Leiden University and QuantWare. The research focuses on accurately measuring how quantum chips perform at each stage of their development and fabrication using a multimodal microscope — insights that are critical for producing high-quality quantum chips at scale.  Earlier this month, QuantaMap introduced this new type of multimodal microscope, which can reveal the four critical properties of a chip: heat, magnetism, structure, and electrical behaviour, simultaneously and at the nanoscale. This gives researchers and companies a much clearer picture of what is happening inside a device long before it reaches a full quantum computer, helping to improve chip performance, reduce costly redesigns, and accelerate innovation and commercial potential. QuantaMap is commercialising these microscope systems for quantum materials research and quantum chip manufacturing and is currently looking for launching customers. Ahead of APS, we asked Johannes a few questions about the impact of this work on the future of quantum chip development and his plans for making connections in Denver.   For companies building quantum chips or academic researchers improving their methods, what practical advantages does the new microscope give them compared to existing testing methods? For the first time, they can directly see what is happening on the chip. Without images, they must infer where performance limitations arise by analysing very global parameters, such as coherence time, which is influenced by almost everything on the chip. This can be difficult and sometimes misleading. On every quantum chip we have imaged so far, we have observed features that our customers did not expect. Most quantum chips are only fully evaluated at the very end of the development cycle, when issues are costly and time‑consuming to diagnose. How does being able to test chips at earlier stages change the pace of innovation and reduce risk for industry partners? Our imaging can identify where defects are located on the chip and during which processing step they were introduced. This allows producers to adjust designs based on real chip data rather than simulations. They can also detect process deviations and variability much earlier. You’re presenting this work at the APS Global Physics Summit with the Dutch delegation. What message do you hope to bring to the international community about the Netherlands’ role in advancing quantum materials and next generation chip diagnostics? The Netherlands has a strong history in semiconductor tooling — ASML being the most well-known example — and in building a robust value chain of specialised companies that dominate their core markets. We believe this focus is essential to continually push the cutting edge. The fact that no one else can currently provide insights into quantum chips in the way QuantaMap can proves this point. Johannes will present the talk, “Tapping-mode SQUID-on-tip microscopy for materials research and quantum chip diagnostics,” on Tuesday, 17 March at 14:12 MST at the APS Global Physics Summit in Denver, Colorado.

Giulia La Volpe

3 Questions with Johannes Jobst, Founder QuantaMap

On 8 April 2026 the Centre for Quantum and Society organizes the next Quantum &amp; Society Research Colloquium with Dr Susannah Glickman as our speaker, with the lecture When History is too Important to be Left to Historians: The Death of the Cold War State and the Birth of Quantum Technologies.Abstract: This lecture uses the biography of Cold warrior and famous physicist John Wheeler to examine a series of crises of the Cold War US state and how they contributed to 1) the field of quantum technologies 2) the fields of history and philosophy of science, apart from history and philosophy proper 3) the remaking of US scientific institutions in the subsequent two decades. It will first discuss the Cold War status quo, then the crises that emerged from the mid-60s to the 1970s. The responses to these crises paved the way for our present set of techno-economic ideologies and infrastructures. They force physicists like Wheeler to imagine physics and reality ( with implications for how they imagine the past, history, and future). The crises also prompt the profession to reimagine the role of physics in politics, the economy, technology (especially computing), and history. These crises were experienced as a profound rupture by physicists and eventually a broader swath of elites. For physicists like Wheeler, this feeling of rupture inaugurated a new interest in history and in discovering ways of stabilizing and predicting the future, e.g., laws of techno-economic development. High tech’s ascendence reinforced the sense of rupture and rearranged power and produced new elite networks into which old elites like Wheeler were injected. This all led to a reimagining of the role of certain technologies as world historical. i.e., the birth of a new progressivist-developmental ideology (e.g., Moore’s Law). Imagined quantum technologies are a solution to these crises and an articulation of the responses to them. They succeed at getting long-term funding because they fit neatly within the new ideology their proponents helped craft.Susannah Glickman is an assistant professor of history at Stony Brook University. Glickman received her PhD in history from Columbia University in 2023. Her dissertation, titled Histories, Tech, and a New Central Planning, concerned how the politico-economic category of ‘tech’ demands the production of speculative institutions, narratives, histories and ideologies. Her research and teaching focus on the history and political economy of computation and information through the transformations of the Cold War state into the post-Cold War state. She also writes about risk and uncertainty in other fields (for example, in the history of economics). Her current book project examines the infrastructures which make ever-improving semiconductors and quantum technologies possible historically, with particular attention to how ideology and other kinds of narratives get translated into policy and granular practices, and how reciprocally those material practices get translated back into ideology. She has a background in mathematics and anthropology and work between the fields of science and technology studies and history, mixing archival and oral history methods. Since graduating, Glickman has published widely for publications such as The American Prospect, AI Now, Phenomenal World, and The New York Review of Books.The talk will be hosted (in person, with the possibility to attend remotely) by the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies group at the University of Amsterdam. Time: 3:30 to 5:00 PM (Drinks will follow at CREA)Location: Room REC A 3.15, Amsterdam Law School, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 WV AmsterdamInterested in attending, or receiving updates about future events? Register <a target="_blank" href="https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2F1yX_RpvL-YY3MmtKqhbSmaHm3hQp1HYKtaIaBGwO9KzI%2Fviewform%3Fedit_requested%3Dtrue&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cv.lopezdiaz%40uva.nl%7C9c33d3e07bc842dba72a08de79314d29%7Ca0f1cacd618c4403b94576fb3d6874e5%7C0%7C0%7C639081449831198906%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=LtjDVzRwQ0claU6iy8v%2BhDRbe9NFgLPE4Or%2Fc7qJdng%3D&amp;reserved=0" title="Original URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yX_RpvL-YY3MmtKqhbSmaHm3hQp1HYKtaIaBGwO9KzI/viewform?edit_requested=true. Click or tap if you trust this link.">here</a>.   Centre for Quantum and Society  The Centre for Quantum and Society is a knowledge and co-creation center to maximize quantum technologies’ positive impact on society. We’re part of Action Line 4 of QDNL, a unique program that aims to put societal impact first. We facilitate ground-breaking research into the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions related to quantum technologies. We develop tools to assess quantum applications’ impacts and develop governance approaches and guidelines. We support start–ups, small businesses, and corporate innovation teams in understanding the potential impact of quantum technologies on their sector, customers, and society. Last but not least, we initiate mission-driven innovation projects.  This monthly colloquium, organized by the Center for Quantum &amp; Society of QDNL, provides a platform for quantum &amp; society researchers, aimed at building and broadening the community engaged in research on non-technical questions related to quantum technologies, including their development, applications, and implications. We will provide networking opportunities within the community, including with the aim to facilitate new collaborations.

Joris van Hoboken

Research Colloquium Series: The Death of the Cold War State and the Birth of Quantum Technologies

New open-source operating system “OrangeQS Juice” is used to operate new Leiden Cryogenics dilution refrigerator.

An inverted tabletop dilution refrigerator that can achieve millikelvin temperatures has long been the holy grail for fast-turnaround quantum technology development. It is especially useful for fast and affordable quantum chip testing.In 2023, QDNL awarded funding to companies Leiden Cryogenics and Orange Quantum Systems for the Quper project. The two companies set out to develop a compact, fast turn-around cryostat for quantum applications.

Collaboration between Leiden Cryogenics and Orange Quantum Systems results in a fast-turnaround tabletop ‘mini-fridge’ for quantum applications.

Three years after the conception of the ‘mini-fridge’ for quantum R&amp;D, Leiden Cryogenics (LC) successfully finalised a prototype in the Quper project.At the APS Global Physics Summit, LC will unveil a new product based on the Quper project. The company promises a compact and affordable cryogenic system capable of cooling a sample to below 25 millikelvin and returning it to room temperature in under 24 hours.The project tested a new inverted fridge design, allowing for ergonomic tabletop access for operators.By shrinking all components, including the heat switch and dilution unit, a much faster cooldown is possible. Achieved without the need for liquid nitrogen and with a significantly lower helium-3 requirement.

A fast turn-around ‘mini-fridge’ for quantum applications

“Fast, compact, simple, but fully functional dilution refrigerators (be it for quantum chip testing and development, optical or beamline experiments, etc.) have been a popular request from our customers for many years and now we are finally ready to fulfil it.”

In 2025, project partner Orange Quantum Systems used the prototype cryogenic system for testing Travelling Wave Parametric Amplifiers.To remotely monitor, control, and automate the Quper fridge, the project introduced a new Leiden Cryogenics back‑end for SubZero, the cryogenic control software that runs on OrangeQS Juice. This was made possible thanks to the flexible and extensible nature of the Juice OS.

Testing of quantum devices and system control

“The fact that a fridge manufacturer has developed a new system with Juice as the operating system is a huge indicator of reliability.”

This project was made possible by QDNL.About LC: Leiden Cryogenics has been a leader in extreme low temperature techniques for over 30 years. Founded in 1992 by Prof. Dr. Giorgio Frossati as a spin-off from the University of Leiden, started in a small lab with room for only one dilution refrigerator. Now, 34 years later, Leiden Cryogenics continues to work on various cryogenic innovations day and night. With a flexible and dedicated team of cryogenic experts, Leiden Cryogenics provides a range of solutions for your cryogenic applications.About Orange Quantum Systems: Orange Quantum Systems develops advanced solutions for automated testing and characterisation of quantum chips, enabling the transition from lab-scale devices to industrial-grade quantum computers. Based in Delft, the Netherlands, the company leverages deep academic roots and engineering excellence to serve the global quantum ecosystem.

About the project partners

Raoul Oostenbrink

Dutch project Quper results in new Leiden Cryogenics mini-fridge, controlled by OrangeQS Juice operating system

The technology and research behind quantum computing is progressing rapidly. Once the science is proven, do we have the right hardware components to support it at scale? Quantum Logic founder Artem Nikitin aims to address that exact challenge. The newly-founded, Delft-based startup’s mission is to enable quantum systems to grow from laboratory prototypes to machines capable of economically valuable computation. For superconducting and semiconducting quantum processors operating at cryogenic temperatures, every electronic component that generates heat becomes a scaling constraint. The growing demand for an increasing number of qubits has placed cryogenic electronics at the top of the priority list. Quantum Logic is developing cryogenically compatible analog superconducting electronics designed to reduce system complexity, manage heat dissipation, demultiplex radio-frequency signals, and enable large-scale quantum architectures. Quantum Logic will join the Dutch delegation to the APS March Meeting in Denver, Colorado, organised by QDNL. We spoke with Artem about the inspiration behind his new company, the hardware challenges facing the industry, and what he hopes to gain from connecting with the international quantum community. What inspired you to found Quantum Logic? The technological development of quantum computing modalities has seen remarkable progress. However, significant bottlenecks remain in the cryogenic hardware. We have identified technological solutions that enable the scaling of qubit counts. I believe now is the right moment to address these challenges.  You identified scaling as a primary challenge for the future success of quantum computing. From your perspective, what must evolve in today’s hardware architecture to move from promising prototypes to practical systems? There are several proposals currently being explored to address cryogenic electronics as a means of enabling qubit scaling. Some approaches focus on generating radio-frequency signals closer to the qubit at low temperatures. Others aim to convert digital signals into control pulses within the cryogenic environment.  Quantum Logic’s approach is different. We demultiplex radio-frequency signals generated at room temperature using superconducting circuits operating at low temperatures. This approach enables scaling without compromising the heat load. Quantum Logic is joining the Dutch delegation at the APS March Meeting in Denver. What conversations are you hoping to spark there, and how does international visibility accelerate your mission? I am very excited to meet scientists and engineers from around the world in Denver during the Global Physics Summit. It is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with potential partners. Thanks to the support of QDNL, we are able to participate in this important event. This support is especially crucial for Quantum Logic as a newly founded company at such an early stage. Follow Quantum Logic&#039;s journey on their <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/quantum-logic-delft/">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://theqlogic.com/#">website</a>.

3 Questions with Artem Nikitin, Founder Quantum Logic

11 February 2026Dutch quantum technology startup <a href="https://www.quantamap.eu/">QuantaMap</a> and <a href="https://www.lahabilab.com/">Leiden University</a> have demonstrated a new class of microscope for quantum chip inspection. It enables simultaneous nanoscale imaging of heat, magnetism, structure, and electrical behavior.As quantum technologies transition from laboratory demonstrations to engineered systems, understanding how quantum chips behave locally inside end-user devices has become a critical bottleneck.This new research by  <a href="https://www.quantamap.eu/">QuantaMap</a> and <a href="https://www.lahabilab.com/">Leiden University</a>, published in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c04571">Nano Letters</a>, introduces the microscope as a multi-modal imaging platform that moves quantum characterisation out of idealised test conditions and onto actual quantum chips. It is here where performance, yield, and reliability are ultimately determined.A single scan reveals everythingThe microscope enables research teams to probe multiple interacting physical phenomena at once, with nanoscale resolution and without disturbing the chip under test.“In a real quantum device, all physical properties are closely intertwined. If you only study one aspect at a time, you never get ahead. With our microscope, we reveal the relationships between non-equilibrium properties such as current and dissipation, and how those relate to chip structure,” explains lead author Matthijs Rog of Leiden University.

QuantaMap and Leiden University introduce breakthrough nanoscale imaging to accelerate quantum chip development and materials research

“This is groundbreaking for our research into the intricate workings of quantum materials.”

This multimodal imaging is performed extremely close to the sample surface using tapping mode feedback allowing for stability during extended measurement campaigns and imaging of realistic, nanostructured devices — including operational quantum chips and exotic quantum materials.Why this matters for the quantum industry“Current chip testing relies mainly on electrical characterization of fully finished chips inside quantum computers – a process that takes weeks per chip and if the performance of some qubits is reduced, it cannot reveal the underlying reason,” says Johannes Jobst, founder and CEO of QuantaMap.

“This new imaging platform addresses that gap. The ability to perform root‑cause analysis at the nanoscale makes it possible to identify reasons for failure in quantum chips at any fabrication stage, correlating device performance with local material behavior, and faster design–fabrication–test feedback loops.”

As a result of this new technology, fab yield and consistency can be increased, accelerating design optimization and the transition toward scalable quantum manufacturing.A new product for the quantum marketQuantaMap is now working to bring these microscope systems to the market for quantum materials research and quantum chip manufacturing.

QuantaMap and Leiden University introduce breakthrough nanoscale imaging

This is a joint press statement from the Leiden Institute of Physics, aQa (Leiden University) and QuSoft.Quantum software is essential to make quantum technology work. Research centres QuSoft and aQa work together at the forefront of the Netherlands’ quantum software efforts. With the launch of the <a target="_blank" href="https://quantumsoftwarealliance.org">Quantum Software Alliance</a> (QSA), this collaboration now scales globally. Uniting quantum computing researchers across the world and ensuring that quantum software gains visibility among policymakers. &quot;Hardware builds the capability. Software delivers the value. This alliance is here to make sure quantum software investment keeps pace with quantum hardware progress,&quot; explains Christian Schaffner, Director of QuSoft (Research Centre for Quantum Software) and professor at the Informatics Institute of University of Amsterdam.‘The launch of the Quantum Software Alliance reflects a growing consensus: building quantum computers is a remarkable achievement, but without breakthroughs in software, their potential will remain out of reach,’ says professor Vedran Dunjko from aQa (Applied Quantum Algorithms), Leiden University. The launch of the Quantum Software Alliance The Quantum Software Alliance (QSA) will champion and co-ordinate the development of quantum software and algorithms to support quantum computing’s shift from lab-based theory to real-world applications. The alliance brings together leading expertise across disciplines and borders, including key Dutch partners such as aQa and QuSoft.A strategic vision for practical quantum computing Its strategic vision will focus on the vital contributions quantum software will make in the drive towards practical quantum computing – transforming outputs from small and noisy machines to creating fresh applications that deliver innovative outcomes for social and economic development.The vision combines the knowledge and experience of researchers across four continents to provide practical recommendations to accelerate the discovery of new software and algorithms to enhance the performance of large-scale hardware platforms.Building a global research agenda and open ecosystem Another key action for the partnership is to create a global research agenda that will provide a coherent development framework for the research community, enable closer collaboration with other stakeholders and inform policy and funding decisions.With its global outlook and independent ethos, the QSA will champion the development of open and interoperable solutions that can boost collaboration and innovation. It also explores the open questions confronting researchers who are developing software algorithms and protocols for many-qubit quantum processors. A call to researchers, policymakers, and funders The QSA also makes a direct appeal to policymakers and funding agencies to support these community-driven efforts, and to formulate quantum research programmes that place a more strategic focus on the development of quantum algorithms and software.Professor Chris Heunen, Chair of the QSA steering committee, said: ‘Our role at the QSA is to ensure that quantum software researchers receive the attention and support they need to accelerate the innovation pathway towards practical quantum computing. Their unique talents and insights will be essential to unlock the applications that make the best use of different qubit platforms, and to create full-stack systems that realize the full potential of quantum computing.’During the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum, where the launch of the QSA was announced, Professor Yasser Omar, said: ‘The launch of the QSA today shows how the closing of the International Year of Quantum is also the beginning of a global quantum initiative, setting the ground for others to follow, and for the establishment of an international quantum decade.’Read the <a target="_blank" href="https://quantumsoftwarealliance.org/members/">full press release</a> of the Quantum Software Alliance. Join the Quantum Software Alliance The 21 founding members of the QSA are listed <a target="_blank" href="https://quantumsoftwarealliance.org/members/">here</a>. Other organisations are welcome to join, with full membership available to academic centres and supporting membership open to relevant companies.The QSA is committed to fair and open development, connecting and growing the research community, and providing independent and expert advice to government, industry and the general public. Contact information <a href="https://quantumsoftwarealliance.org">https://quantumsoftwarealliance.org</a>aQa, Leiden University prof.dr. Vedran Dunjko <a href="mailto:v.dunjko@liacs.leidenuniv.nl">v.dunjko@liacs.leidenuniv.nl</a> QuSoft, CWI and UvA prof. dr. Christian Schaffner <a href="mailto:c.schaffner@uva.nl">c.schaffner@uva.nl</a>Science Communication Officer Leiden Institute of Physics ir. Caren Huygelen <a href="mailto:huygelen@physics.leidenuniv.nl">huygelen@physics.leidenuniv.nl</a>

Global network puts spotlight on quantum software

Last October, two quantum student groups from Delft and Munich came together to exchange ideas and build networks. Through the QDNL <a target="_blank" href="https://qdnl.nl/visitors-programme">Visitor’s Programme</a>, our aim is to strengthen ties between the European quantum community. In line with this, we were happy to support the student exchange between the <a target="_blank" href="https://quantumdelft.nl/qist-master">QIST group</a> (Delft/Leiden) and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pushquantum.tech/">PushQuantum</a> (Munich). Over two weekends, the groups visited each other in Delft and Munich to exchange knowledge and build connections through quantum-related lab tours, company visits, and cultural activities. Starting in Delft, participants explored the superconducting quantum computing interface Quantum Inspire and visited companies at the HoQ. They continued their tour in Leiden, where they learnt more about the state-of-the-art quantum research in the Löffler and Oosterkamp Labs.  The following weekend, the groups met in Munich where they attended company pitches at the Ludwig Maximilians University and Technical University of Munich and explored two major research facilities. At the Walther-Meissner-Institut, they toured laboratories focused on superconducting qubit chip fabrication, as well as a high-performance computing centre, integrating quantum computers to advance hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches, at the Leibniz-Rechenzentrum.  Beyond the technical and educational focus of the exchange, participants had time to get to know one another and form personal connections through activities like Quantum Games.

The programme was completed under the long-term vision of contributing to the establishment of continued transnational exchange of ideas between students and young researchers across the European Union at large.

QDNL Visitor's Programme Spotlight: Student Exchange QIST and PushQuantum

As part of the QDNL Visitor&#039;s Programme, Thijs Latten, a PhD student from TU Delft, spent three months at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. His goal was to learn from Prof. Hasok Chang and his colleagues on how to draw insights about the nature of reality from the scientific and engineering practice. This specific interest was part of his PhD research into how the technology developed in the Dutch quantum ecosystem can inform our understanding of the quantum world.

“While engineers and researchers in quantum technology are finding innovative ways to technologically exploit quantum behaviour, the quantum world is often described as difficult or impossible to understand. Yet, having an understanding of the quantum world is essential in enabling stakeholders to join the development of quantum technologies.”

At Cambridge, Thijs spent his time deepening his knowledge from both the technical side at the Cavendish Laboratory and the philosophical perspective at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. Among his personal highlights were the many discussions he had with Prof. Chang and other department members, which elevated his doctoral research. Learning about topics like the optical spin pumping techniques for in quantum dot initialisation and the ontological assumptions presupposed in the activities of engineers, Thijs came back to the Netherlands ready to share his insights with the quantum ecosystem.

“The conceptual tools provided by this visit help me towards delineating how quantum technology can inform our understanding of the quantum world, aiding the efforts to make quantum mechanics accessible to non-experts.”

The <a target="_blank" href="https://qdnl.nl/visitors-programme">QDNL Visitor Programme</a> supports knowledge exchanges to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem. Thijs’ visit to the University of Cambridge shows the value of cross-border knowledge-sharing for the European quantum community.

QDNL Visitor's Programme Spotlight: Thijs Latten at the University of Cambridge

We are pleased to announce two new additions strengthening our work across the Dutch quantum ecosystem.Cassie Jorgensen has joined as Communications &amp; Content Manager. With extensive experience supporting B2B technology brands and scale‑ups in the Benelux and Canada, she will lead a renewed content strategy and help share stories, milestones, and developments from across the quantum community.

"QDNL is evolving in the ways it will continue to support the growth and industrialisation of the Dutch quantum ecosystem. I'm excited to join the team at this pivotal moment and support in refocusing the content strategy to clearly articulate this next phase of the organisation, while also highlighting the key research, technology and ecosystem initiatives that will drive forward the quantum era."

Marc de Voogd has started as Challenge‑Based Programme Manager. Bringing a background in physics, systems engineering, deep‑tech manufacturing, and sales, as well as experience leading a foundry pilot line, Marc will shape the long‑term ambitions into focused, time‑bound programmes with clear economic relevance. He also recently contributed to the Dutch Quantum Valley proposal featured in the Wennink Report.

“This role allows me to shape challenges and support finding solutions to real needs. Together, we enable sustainable economic growth by tackling problems the Dutch quantum ecosystem cannot solve alone.”

Their combined expertise strengthens our mission to accelerate and champion Dutch quantum innovation and excellence.

Cassie Jorgensen & Marc de Voogd join QDNL

THIS IS A PRESS STATEMENT FROM Q*BIRDDelft, 20 January 2026 — Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (also referred to as UPM), through the Quantum Information and Computing Research Group, in collaboration with Q*Bird, has deployed Spain’s first Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) network, connecting 3 end nodes, marking a significant milestone in Europe’s quantum communication infrastructure. The system is deployed in high-security operational environments, with installations spanning two sites of the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) and one site of the Ministerio del Interior, Secretaría General de Sistemas de Información y Comunicaciones para la Seguridad (SGSICS), all located in Madrid. This development is part of UPM&#039;s ongoing efforts to enhance the security and scalability of quantum communication networks through excellent research and development.The network follows a hub-and-spoke topology, consisting of Q*Bird’s Falqon® Series’ three end nodes, one center hub and a quantum optical switch, with fiber distances ranging between 30 and 50 kilometers from the center hub to each of the user end nodes. This architecture enables multi-node quantum key distribution (QKD) in a fully connected mesh network, without trusted nodes, even at the central hub, offering high scalability, making it suitable for metropolitan-scale deployments.

Classical cryptography relies on computational complexity for security, leaving sensitive data fundamentally vulnerable to future quantum attacks. Even traditional QKD systems, while inherently quantum-secure, are limited by vulnerabilities at the measurement stage as detectors can be exploited by advanced attacks, potentially compromising key and system integrity. MDI overcomes this limitation by ensuring that all detectors exist at the center hub, which does not handle keys or other secrets at any point, and never has access to any keys, enabling highly secure, scalable multi-node networks.

Why MDI-QKD?

“A multi-node MDI-QKD network enables our researchers to evaluate key performance metrics and optimise network configurations for high-security scalable deployments. Having the centre hub on UPM premises facilitates maintenance and experimentation while reducing costs, but it also allows us to provide cryptographic services to third parties within the high-security ecosystem with effective trust management.”

The technology behind the network

At the core of the live network deployment is Q*Bird’s Falqon® Series:<ul><li>The MQX4000 centre hub serves as the quantum connecting station, establishing quantum links between multiple nodes.</li><li>The MQS4000 optical switch manages the optical transport layer, enabling dynamic distribution of QKD keys across the network.</li><li>The MQT4000 user nodes act as quantum information transmitters, providing interfaces to secure cryptography key from the QKD protocol.</li></ul>This combination allows researchers at UPM to study key generation rates, latency, loss tolerance and interoperability under realistic metropolitan fibre conditions, creating a valuable platform for advancing future quantum communication standards.

“The MadQCI ecosystem is more than a quantum network. It is a hub that attracts stakeholders seeking performance, interoperability and scalability solutions that are critical for a Europe-wide quantum infrastructure. Q*Bird's MDI-QKD system is ideal for powering this all.”

The UPM deployment demonstrates that operational MDI-QKD networks are technically feasible, resilient and scalable. The network provides secure multi-node cryptographic quantum key distribution, supporting the development of advanced quantum key management systems and federated quantum network architectures.“By combining Q*Bird’s MDI-QKD Falqon® Series with UPM’s infrastructure, we are addressing the immediate threats posed by quantum computing while establishing a secure, scalable platform for future digital connectivity,” shares Dr. Joshua Slater, CTO of Q*Bird. “Trust and security are at the core of this deployment and every node, every link is designed to ensure that the quantum cryptographic keys exchanged cannot be compromised, even by the measurement devices themselves. This is a critical step toward building networks that customers can genuinely rely on.”

Building a quantum-resilient future

UPM’s deployment of Q*Bird’s MDI-QKD Falqon® Series signals Madrid and Spain’s growing role as a hub for quantum innovation in Southern Europe, with potential economic and technological benefits. It is not just a research achievement, it is a foundation for a quantum-secure digital society.Q*Bird’s MDI-QKD Falqon® Series seamlessly integrates with UPM’s existing quantum infrastructure, including their ongoing Madrid Quantum Communication Infrastructure (MadQCI) initiative.As Spain’s first operational MDI-QKD network, this deployment lays the groundwork for interoperable quantum communication systems and contributes directly to the EuroQCI initiative, reinforcing Europe’s broader push toward a federated quantum internet.“By deploying yet another fully operational, multi-node MDI-QKD network, we are demonstrating that secure, scalable quantum communications are achievable today. We are thrilled to undertake this deployment in close partnership with UPM, who have been pioneers in QKD deployments and leaders in addressing the real-world challenges of integrating quantum security into existing network infrastructure. Working side by side with UPM on these complex challenges is an exciting milestone, and it reinforces the progress we are making toward building interoperable, industrial-grade quantum networks,” added Dr. Joshua Slater. “This is a benchmark for future continental networks and a tangible step toward a quantum-secure Europe.”

Spain at the European quantum frontier

“With this network, Spain is not just participating in Europe’s quantum future, it is helping define it. We are creating a trusted foundation for secure, multi-node quantum networks that will underpin Europe’s digital sovereignty and research community. This assures and guarantees that the data moving through these trusted networks is truly secure.”

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