From Theory to Network: What Sets QUEST Apart?

Published on / 16.07.2025

How three partners are shaping a new chapter in secure quantum communication.

The arrival of the quantum computer is no longer a matter of if, but when. Whether it happens before 2030 or somewhat later, one thing is clear: we must be prepared. Leading tech companies are anticipating a future in which computing power increases exponentially, enabled by the rise of quantum technologies. In the Netherlands, the groundwork is also being laid: in cities like Leiden and Delft, a new quantum movement is taking shape. It’s a movement facing rapid developments—what feels secure today may be vulnerable tomorrow. At the same time, it forces us to critically examine quantum technology itself. What happens if such powerful tools fall into the wrong hands, or create new dependencies?

Amid this shifting landscape, three Dutch pioneers, Q*Bird, Single Quantum and Eurofiber, supported by InnovationQuarter, are joining forces. With the project QUEST, they are working on one of the first large-scale applications of quantum-secure communication in the Netherlands. InnovationQuarter spoke with all three organisations about their specific contributions, and what unites them. These conversations reveal that it is precisely the combination of infrastructure, hardware and network software expertise that makes QUEST a powerful whole.

A Scalable Quantum Network

These are exciting times for the partners. With the support of InnovationQuarter and funding from the Quantum Delta NL programme, they launched a large-scale pilot in the Port of Rotterdam in 2024: the world’s first scalable quantum network.

“Sometimes you still have to blink to believe it. Quantum technology is happening right before our eyes, and it’s evolving rapidly. And we are part of it,” says Ingrid Romijn, CEO and co-founder of Q*Bird. Q*Bird, a spin-out of QuTech, is leading the QUEST project. “It’s amazing to see how the theory I studied at university is has become real-world technology.” Q*Bird’s Falqon® Series, based on MDI-QKD, enables secure communication between multiple users and forms the backbone of the QUEST network. “We are building a network that is not only secure today, but also ready for the future, one where quantum computers and sensors will be interconnected. That started in the port, and now it’s time to scale up.”

Detecting Individual Photons with Unprecedented Precision

To enable to scale-up, Single Quantum contributes a vital component: ultra-sensitive superconducting single-photon detectors. These devices can detect individual particles of light with extreme precision; an essential requirement for making quantum communication not just possible but practically reliable. “Although QKD is theoretically perfectly secure, to be made practical it needs state-of-the-art technology . Our detectors make that possible,” explains Sander Dorenbos, CEO of Single Quantum. “This is how we help make quantum security both scalable and robust.”

The concept is as elegant as it is revolutionary: using geometric principles from quantum mechanics to ensure ultra-secure encryption. The technology at the heart of it is called Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD). It enables the secure exchange of information, even if parts of the infrastructure are compromised. And this is more necessary than ever.

While quantum computers are not yet widely available, the threat is already real. Increasingly, malicious actors are collecting encrypted data, although they can’t yet decrypt it. They are storing it, expecting that quantum technology will one day allow them to crack it. This form of attack is known as “harvest-now, decrypt-later.”

Q*Bird

Q*Bird leads the project. With their Falqon® Series, they currently offer the world’s only commercial MDI-QKD solution. Their systems form the backbone of the network and enable secure communication between multiple users.

Single Quantum

Eurofiber

InnovationQuarter

Integration Without Disruption

This is exactly why QUEST matters. It’s not just a research initiative, but a deployment- and scale-up project. With the addition of new quantum central hubs and new end nodes, the current MDI-QKD network is being expanded into a commercially scalable infrastructure, integrated with Eurofiber’s network in South Holland and beyond. Multiple central hubs are being positioned and interconnected, allowing users to exchange quantum keys securely across different routes, providing redundancy and increased network reliability. Crucially, this quantum network integrates seamlessly with existing IT systems, without requiring drastic changes to current infrastructure.

The Network of Networks

For Eurofiber, the strength of MDI-QKD lies particularly in its scalability. In a high-quality fibre-optic network with multiple data centres and users, a single central setup can serve multiple clients simultaneously. “We are building a network of quantum networks,” says Marc Hulzebos of Eurofiber. “And with it, a future-proof layer of security for our digital society. Our customers can start working with it today.” He urges organisations to seize the opportunity: “Join us, test it, and discover what quantum-secure communication can already mean for your network.”

What Does QUEST Offer Businesses?

For organisations that rely on secure communication; governments, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and energy companies, QUEST offers something tangible: the ability to put quantum security into practice today. “The pace of change in digital infrastructure is accelerating,” says Hulzebos. “Quantum-secure communication can already be implemented. Now is the time to act.”

Still, many organisations are figuring out how to connect. “What does this mean for my network? How do I get started?” notes Ingrid Romijn. “We provide hands-on guidance. Our technology is ready for implementation and integration into digital networks.” That practical support makes it accessible for organisations to join, even without in-house quantum expertise.

Quantum networks and components for a future quantum internet are still under development globally—in both research and commercial settings. This project contributes by enabling different quantum networks to be interconnected, so users can create quantum connections across the ecosystem.

Are you part of a critical infrastructure organisation, or a business ready to take the next step? Then get in touch with one of the QUEST partners: Q*Bird, Single Quantum or Eurofiber.