Q*Bird is building the quantum internet of tomorrow
Within ten years, quantum computers could crack our security. How can we ensure that sensitive data is protected against this threat?
Published on August 26, 2025
As editor-in-chief, Aafke oversees all content and events but loves writing herself. She makes complex topics accessible and tells the stories behind technology.
The advent of quantum computers—which experts expect to be able to crack conventional encryption within ten years—poses a real threat to the security of confidential information. This moment is also known as “Q-day”: the day when current cryptographic security systems collapse under the pressure of quantum computers. Suppose that in ten years, there is a working universal quantum computer that can decipher today's messages. Organizations, companies, and governments need to start protecting themselves against this now.
While many eyes in the quantum world are focused on the long-awaited breakthrough of the quantum computer, Delft-based Q*Bird is working on something that already works: a secure, scalable quantum network.
The urgency for quantum security is becoming increasingly clear, according to Ingrid Romijn, CEO and co-founder of Q*Bird. In early July, the European Commission adopted a new quantum strategy to position Europe as a world leader in quantum technology by 2030. “We are already playing a role in protecting vital government communications against the threat of quantum computers.” The startup is part of a pilot project by the Dutch government, which was demonstrated during a pre-event of the NATO summit.
“The physics I once learned at university is now really coming to life.” Romijn's enthusiasm is palpable. The entrepreneur has a PhD in physics, worked on solar energy projects at the Netherlands Energy Center, and in 2018 made the switch to QuTech, TU Delft's quantum technology institute. That's where the seed was planted: she met Joshua Slater and Remon Berrevoets, with whom she founded Q*Bird in 2022.
From lab to market
During their time at QuTech, the Q*Bird founding team saw a unique opportunity: technology that had proven its value in academia was ready for industrialization. Romijn: “Pilots with large parties showed that our approach worked and was safe. But within the university, there are limits to commercializing a product or technology. That's when we founded Q*Bird.”
Three years later, the company has around 25 employees and develops complete hardware and software solutions for quantum-secure communication. “You can compare us to what Cisco or Nokia does, but for the quantum internet,” explains Romijn. “We supply network components that enable organizations to secure their data centers against the threat of future quantum computers.”
Q*Bird's approach: safer and easier to scale
Most companies involved in quantum security use a method in which one party sends a special light particle (a quantum particle) to the other via a fiber optic cable. This system is called “prepare-and-measure”: one side prepares the particle, the other side measures it.
The problem is that this model is difficult to scale up if you want to connect multiple users, because fiber optic cables have to be laid to all other users for each new user.
Q*Bird takes a different approach. In their system, both users send a light particle to a central point, the ‘hub’. Only when that central system detects a special connection between the two particles – known as ‘entanglement’ – can the users create a secret key to communicate securely.
This approach has three advantages. First of all, scalability. Multiple users can easily connect to the network without having to lay a separate fiber optic connection for each pair. In addition, the end equipment for users is simple – and therefore cheaper. Moreover, the central system never sees the content of the key. This means there is no ‘weak spot’ where a hacker can intercept part of the key.
Romeijn sums it up: “Our technology makes it easier and safer to make quantum security more widely available. And that is exactly what is needed to be resilient against quantum threats in the future.”
From a distant dream to a tangible reality
The biggest challenge at the moment is not necessarily technical. “We need to make companies aware that this technology already exists,” says Romijn. “When people think of quantum, they think of something that is years away. But quantum networks can already be used today.”
And that is what Q*Bird is fully committed to. In collaboration with Eurofiber, work is underway to roll out a network between Rotterdam and Amsterdam, which will enable companies to easily connect to a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network. “The bottom line is that we are building a scalable service structure that will give smaller organizations access to quantum security.”
Towards 2030
The plans are ambitious. Romijn: "Our goal is to have at least sixty networks operational in Europe, Asia, and North America by 2030. We are building central hubs to which companies can connect their endpoints – each network with three to eight end users.” And that's not all: in a few years, Q*Bird also wants to supply network components that can connect quantum computers to each other. “In this way, we not only provide security, but also lay the foundation for a true quantum internet.”
Entrepreneurship with impact
For Romijn, the adventure is a mix of technology, strategy, and social relevance. “It feels incredibly valuable to build something that is not only innovative but also urgent. The threat of quantum computers that can crack existing encryption is getting closer. Some information needs to be secured for longer than five years. We can already help with that.”
With companies such as Q*Bird, the Netherlands is showing that it is ready to play a leading role in the quantum sector. This is evident from the support the start-up has received from the National Growth Fund, Holland High Tech, and the province of South Holland, among others. In addition, Q*bird raised €2.5 million. “We are open to new companies that want to join our network,” concludes Romijn. “What we do is not science fiction; we can already apply and use quantum technology. The future of quantum has already begun for us.”