Delft, 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’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. Why MDI-QKD? 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. “A multi-node MDI-QKD network enables our researchers to evaluate key performance metrics and optimise network configurations for high-security scalable deployments,” said Laura Ortiz, Researcher at UPM. “Having the center 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: The MQX4000 center hub serves as the quantum connecting station, establishing quantum links between multiple nodes. The MQS4000 optical switch manages the optical transport layer, enabling dynamic distribution of QKD keys across the network. The MQT4000 user nodes act as quantum information transmitters, providing interfaces to secure cryptography key from the QKD protocol. This combination allows researchers at UPM to study key generation rates, latency, loss tolerance and interoperability under realistic metropolitan fiber 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.” said Alberto Sebastián-Lombraña, Researcher at UPM. Building a quantum-resilient future 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.” Spain at the European quantum frontier 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.” “With this network, Spain is not just participating in Europe’s quantum future, it is helping define it,” added Vicente Martín, Principal Investigator of the Quantum Information and Computing Research Group. “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.” UPM and Q*Bird’s collaboration strengthens Spain’s role in developing scalable, operational quantum networks, positioning the country as a key player in Europe’s quantum communications leadership. And this collaboration between UPM and Q*Bird sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at integrating quantum technologies into critical communication networks. As the field progresses, such partnerships will be instrumental in building resilient systems capable of safeguarding sensitive information in the quantum era! About Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Quantum Information and Computing Research Group, led by Vicente Martín, researchs on the characterisation and integration of QKD systems in quantum networks; deployment of real quantum-communication infrastructures (notably, the team have deployed the largest QKD network in Europe to date); programmable quantum network control (software-defined networking for QKD); integration with classical cryptographic services (e.g., TLS, VPN, IPSec); modelling of current and future-proof quantum-communication networks; and new services and protocols beyond QKD (e.g., quantum-entanglement distribution networks, multiparty quantum secret sharing, entropy distribution, etc.). The team also focuses on knowledge transfer, including proof-of-concept demonstrations with industry, standardisation and entrepreneurship training. Website/contact: https://es.linkedin.com/company/giicc gi.icc@upm.es About Q*Bird Q*Bird is a leader in quantum-secure communication, based in Delft, The Netherlands. We provide cutting-edge solutions and expert support to ensure your data security. Our unique technology enables ultra-secure communication networks for critical infrastructure and commercial use. Q*Bird’s network technology uses the laws of quantum physics to provide proven secure cryptography keys that are immune to interception, ensuring your data remains safe from eavesdropping. Our Falqon® Series delivers a next-generation solution for Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), offering unequalled security, scalability and flexibility without relying on trusted nodes, ensuring your data stays protected in transit, now and into the quantum future. As we secure today’s networks against quantum threats, we are building toward the future, developing technologies that will enable the quantum internet, including connectivity solutions for quantum processors, modems and sensors. This ensures organisations are prepared for the advent of the quantum internet and ready to harness its full potential. Join us at the forefront of quantum innovation and learn how the Falqon® Series can protect your organisation from data breaches and future-proof your network security against quantum threats! For more information, visit www.q-bird.com, contact info@q-bird.com, or follow Q*Bird on LinkedIn. Media Relations Contact: Name: Milu Sini Lal, Msc E-Mail: milu@q-bird.com Title: Marketing & Communication Specialist

Delft, 12 January 2026 – Q*Bird, the Dutch leader in quantum secure communication and the world’s only commercial provider of Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), is proud to announce the official signing of its EIC Accelerator 2025 grant. Q*Bird’s NEXUS project, commissioned under the EIC Accelerator, will enhance MDI-QKD hardware size and efficiency, introduce next-generation optical modules and enable high-density user node deployments. It will also develop the orchestration layer required for multi-operator, multi-domain quantum networking, ensuring that Europe possesses an end-to-end sovereign capability spanning hardware, control systems and network-level intelligence. Under this programme, Q*Bird has secured €2.5 million in grant funding and €5 million in equity investment to accelerate the scale-up of its quantum secure network solutions. With the EIC Accelerator, Q*Bird will expand its European production capacity and advance its broader roadmap spanning quantum security network orchestration, and components essential for a future federated quantum internet. The initiative will drive down QKD costs, increasing market growth and job creation, all while strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy in secure communication technologies. Selected from 959 applicants, Q*Bird is one of only 40 elite startups to receive this prestigious blended finance support and one of just four Dutch companies in this elite cohort. The programme, which began on 1 December 2025, backs deep-tech innovations that deliver transformative capabilities to the European market while reducing strategic dependencies in critical sectors. This recognition comes amid a strong year for Dutch deep tech, with startups collectively raising €35.5 million in this round, contributing to the €299 million awarded across Europe. With this recognition, Q*Bird’s selection reinforces its leading role in quantum secure communications and its mission to bring next-generation, operational-ready MDI-QKD solutions to scale. Q*Bird’s flagship products, the Falqon® Series, powered by MDI-QKD, are already deployed across strategic infrastructures including ports, telecom networks and national infrastructure operators. The programme will strengthen Europe’s quantum secure communication capabilities by expanding the deployment and industrial readiness of Q*Bird’s Falqon® QKD products designed for operational networks in critical infrastructure, telecom, defense and government environments. CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Ingrid Romijn emphasised that this marks an expansion of an already operating commercial technology. “Quantum secure communication is a foundational capability for Europe’s digital sovereignty. We are strengthening the backbone of Europe’s digital resilience. This programme allows us to scale at a rate that matches Europe’s urgency. With the EIC Accelerator, we will extend our technology from individual deployments to continental-scale infrastructures that define how Europe secures its most critical communication networks.” Powering Europe’s transition to quantum-resilient infrastructure This announcement comes at a critical time. Cyberattacks targeting governments, critical infrastructure and industrial supply chains continue to accelerate. As quantum computing progresses, traditional cryptography faces a systemic vulnerability. The threat is not theoretical, but strategically urgent. Q*Bird’s Falqon® Series, powered by MDI-QKD, delivers intrinsic security that eliminates all detector-based vulnerabilities, which have long challenged other QKD designs. The technology’s hub-and-spoke, multi-node and multi-tenant architecture introduces the scalability required for quantum secure networks at national and cross-border levels. Over the past years, Q*Bird has demonstrated this at scale: Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest port and logistical hub secured with quantum secure networking leveraging Q*Bird’s MDI-QKD technology. Madrid metropolitan network (UPM) – Spain’s first live, multi-node MDI quantum network. Benelux cross-border MDI-QKD link – The first cross-border MDI-QKD connection was deployed between Belgium and Luxembourg, enabling a secure 132 km quantum link. Eurofiber QUEST project – Deploying MDI-QKD across major Dutch data centres. The EIC Accelerator programme will enable Q*Bird to take the next step of industrial-grade scale-up, expanding its product line, strengthening supply chains and accelerating integration into Europe’s critical digital infrastructure. Q*Bird’s architecture is designed for environments where reliability and interoperability must be absolute, highlighted CTIO and Co-Founder, Remon Berrevoets. “Industry-grade security means, you cannot rely on assumptions about who or what can be trusted. MDI-QKD is built to scale and interoperate across multiple operators and network domains and secure,” he said. “With the EIC Accelerator, we can expand deployments efficiently, enabling secure, multi-operator networks while maintaining technical integrity and sovereignty. This is essential as Europe transitions to a quantum secure communication infrastructure that operates under real-world conditions.” “Q*Bird is delivering operational quantum security at scale. Through the NEXUS project, Q*Bird is strengthening Europe’s ability to protect and secure critical infrastructure against emerging cyber and quantum threats. It ensures our digital networks remain sovereign, interoperable and resilient, establishing a new benchmark for Europe’s strategic autonomy in the quantum era,” adds Luuk Borg, Project Officer at the European Commission. From deployed networks to large-scale quantum-secure networks Q*Bird’s deployments in ports, cross-border fibre networks and telecom environments have demonstrated that MDI-QKD is fully operational and ready for large-scale deployment. The EIC Accelerator will support rapid growth in manufacturing capacity, network integration, quantum-network orchestration capabilities and the advancement of technologies that extend beyond QKD. CTO and Co-Founder, Dr. Joshua Slater, noted that this expansion is tied to a broader vision. “This next phase is about scale, industrial scale. We are building not just secure links, but the communication fabric on which future quantum systems can run. MDI-QKD is our foundation, but the horizon extends to quantum network controllers, quantum-ready interconnect point and the components required for a federated quantum internet. With the EIC Accelerator, we can accelerate Europe’s shift from isolated pilots and deployments to a cohesive, quantum secure communication infrastructure which is reliable, interoperable and built for long-term strategic autonomy.” Strengthening Europe’s strategic sovereignty in secure communication technologies Q*Bird’s MDI-QKD technology enables network operators to secure communication networks against emerging quantum era threats while preparing infrastructure for future quantum-enabled applications across government, defence, telecoms, ports, energy and data-centre environments. This initiative will help ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of quantum secure communication, not only in research, but in operational infrastructure that protects society, industry and critical national assets. By building interoperable networks that span borders and operators, Q*Bird is laying the foundation for a Pan-European quantum secure ecosystem. One QKD node at a time, Q*Bird is not just building quantum secure networks. We are defining the blueprint for how nations will communicate safely and sovereignly in the post-quantum era!   Disclaimer: This project is co-funded by the European Union.   About Q*Bird: Q*Bird is a leader in quantum-secure communication, based in Delft, The Netherlands. We provide cutting-edge solutions and expert support to ensure your data security. Our unique technology enables ultra-secure communication networks for critical infrastructure and commercial use. Q*Bird’s network technology uses the laws of quantum physics to provide proven secure cryptography keys that are immune to interception, ensuring your data remains safe from eavesdropping. Our Falqon® Series delivers a next-generation solution for Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), offering unequalled security, scalability and flexibility without relying on trusted nodes, ensuring your data stays protected in transit, now and into the quantum future. As we secure today’s networks against quantum threats, we are building toward the future, developing technologies that will enable the quantum internet, including connectivity solutions for quantum processors, modems and sensors. This ensures organisations are prepared for the advent of the quantum internet and ready to harness its full potential. Join us at the forefront of quantum innovation and learn how the Falqon® Series can protect your organisation from data breaches and future-proof your network security against quantum threats! For more information, visit www.q-bird.com, contact info@q-bird.com, or follow Q*Bird on LinkedIn.   Media Relations Contact: Milu Sini Lal, Msc milu@q-bird.com Marketing & Communication Specialist