1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is designed to support startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe that demonstrate high potential for innovation and growth. This program aims to foster the development of breakthrough technologies and solutions, particularly in the DeepTech sector. It provides a unique blend of grant funding and equity investment, enabling companies to scale their operations and bring innovative products and services to market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model that includes two main components:

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to bridge the funding gap that often exists for innovative companies in Europe. By providing substantial financial support and facilitating access to private sector investors, the program helps startups and SMEs navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses. This support is particularly crucial in sectors such as DeepTech, where the development timelines and costs can be significant.

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in strengthening the European startup ecosystem by nurturing innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. It aims to position Europe as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

Role in Scaling and Securing Funding

The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial resources but also offers strategic support in the form of mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a broad ecosystem of investors and partners. This holistic approach enables companies to refine their business models, improve their market strategies, and enhance their overall chances of success. By leveraging its extensive network, the EIC Accelerator helps companies attract additional funding from private investors, thereby enhancing their growth prospects and sustainability.

EIC Accelerator Winner: LUXQUANTA TECHNOLOGIES SL

LUXQUANTA TECHNOLOGIES SL, a Spanish company, emerged as a winner in the EIC Accelerator program with its project acronym MIQRO. The project focuses on scalable quantum cryptography for ultra-secure communications within metropolitan networks.

Project Overview

Project Name: MIQRO

Objective: The primary objective of MIQRO is to develop a scalable quantum cryptography solution that ensures ultra-secure communications in urban environments. As data security becomes increasingly critical, the need for advanced encryption methods has never been more urgent. MIQRO aims to address this need by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to create a robust framework for secure communication.

Technology Basics and Background

Quantum cryptography is a sophisticated field that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to secure data transmission. The cornerstone of this technology is the concept of quantum key distribution (QKD), which allows two parties to generate a shared, secure encryption key using quantum states of photons. Any attempt at eavesdropping will disturb the quantum states, alerting the parties involved and ensuring the integrity of the communication.

The MIQRO project seeks to make quantum cryptography not only secure but also scalable. Traditional quantum cryptography systems have been limited by factors such as the size of the infrastructure and the complexity of implementation. LUXQUANTA aims to overcome these challenges by developing a solution that can be easily integrated into existing metropolitan communication networks.

This innovative approach positions LUXQUANTA at the forefront of addressing the growing demand for secure communication technologies in an increasingly digital world. By enhancing the security of data transmissions, MIQRO could play a critical role in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and governmental communication.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program provides essential support for promising companies like LUXQUANTA TECHNOLOGIES SL. Through its blended finance model, the program facilitates the development of groundbreaking technologies like scalable quantum cryptography, which is crucial for ensuring the security of communications in an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and increasing cybersecurity threats.

2 The Funding Rounds

# LuxQuanta Technologies SL: Funding Journey and Financial Overview

LuxQuanta Technologies SL, a Spanish quantum cryptography pioneer, has secured significant funding since its establishment to advance its innovative quantum key distribution (QKD) technology. The company specializes in providing high-performance and cost-effective quantum cryptography solutions designed to enhance security for companies and network infrastructures.

Funding Timeline

May 2021: Company Founding LuxQuanta was launched in May 2021 as the 10th spin-off from ICFO (The Institute of Photonic Sciences). The company's technology and intellectual property originated from ICFO's Optoelectronics research group, led by ICREA Professor Valerio Pruneri.

August 2021: Seed Investment Round Shortly after its launch, LuxQuanta secured its first seed capital investment from industry leaders Corning and GTD. This strategic investment enabled the company to begin transitioning its quantum key distribution technology from the laboratory to commercial applications. The exact amount of this seed round was not disclosed in the search results.

January 2021: Additional Investment Records indicate that LuxQuanta received additional investment in January 2021, though the amount was listed as $0.0, suggesting either a non-disclosed amount or a strategic partnership without monetary value.

February 2023: NEOTEC Grant LuxQuanta was awarded the prestigious NEOTEC grant, co-financed by the CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology and Innovation, Spain). This grant was part of Spain's Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, financed by the "Next Generation EU" initiative. LuxQuanta was one of 115 selected companies out of 441 applications to receive this funding.

November 2023: EIC Accelerator Application LuxQuanta submitted its Step 2 proposal to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program on November 8, 2023. The company proposed its "MIQRO" project for "Scalable Quantum Cryptography for Ultra-secure Communications in Metropolitan Networks."

March 2024: EIC Accelerator Award In February 2024, the EIC Accelerator results were published, announcing LuxQuanta as one of the 42 winners from the November 8, 2023 cut-off date. The company officially secured €2.5 million in grant funding through this highly competitive program.

May 2024: Additional EIC Funding Beyond the €2.5 million grant, LuxQuanta also secured matching financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The equity component of this funding is managed through the EIC Fund, which supports EIC Accelerator companies with up to €15 million to attract further investment.

Funding Structure and Valuation

LuxQuanta's EIC Accelerator funding was structured as "blended finance," combining grants and equity investments. This funding approach is designed to help startups bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization.

The total funding secured by LuxQuanta to date appears to be in the range of several million euros, with the €2.5 million EIC grant being the most significant publicly disclosed amount. Specific company valuations were not available in the search results.

Current Financial Status

As of May 2024, LuxQuanta is embarking on its second financing round, as mentioned by CEO Vanesa Díaz: "The European Commission's support comes at a crucial time for LuxQuanta as we embark on our second financing round that will enable us to scale operations, penetrate new markets, and attract top talent."

The company has not reported any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions. As a relatively young startup in the quantum technology sector, LuxQuanta appears to be in its growth and market expansion phase.

Investor Information

LuxQuanta's known investors include:

• Corning (Corporate investor in seed round)
• GTD (Corporate investor in seed round)
• European Innovation Council (Grant and equity investment)
• European Investment Bank (Matching financing)
• CDTI (Spanish government grant through NEOTEC program)

The company's funding journey demonstrates strong institutional and government support for its quantum cryptography technology, positioning LuxQuanta as a notable player in Spain's and Europe's quantum technology landscape.

Sources: - https://app.dealroom.co/companies/luxquanta

• https://www.luxquanta.com/luxquanta-secures-neotec-grant-from-cdti-to-advance-its-qkd-technology-n-69-en
• https://www.luxquanta.com/luxquanta-wins-the-eic-accelerator-program-and-secures-25m-n-37-en
• https://rasph.com/unveiling-the-latest-eic-accelerator-results-a-comprehensive-analysis-november-8th-2023-cut-off-february-2024-release/
• https://quantum-cat.cat/newsroom/seed-capital-investment-luxquanta/

3 The Press Releases

LuxQuanta’s Post-EIC Accelerator Growth: Quantum Cryptography Advancements and Strategic Partnerships LuxQuanta Technologies SL, a Barcelona-based quantum cryptography pioneer, has focused on scaling its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology since securing EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023. The company’s advancements center on its NOVA LQ® system, which leverages Continuous Variable QKD (CV-QKD) to secure communications against quantum computing threats.

Key Developments Since 2023

• Second-Generation NOVA LQ® Launch: Unveiled at MWC 2025, the upgraded system doubles operational range to 100 km and supports multi-receiver configurations for ring/star topologies. Its carrier-grade components enable integration with existing optical fiber networks, eliminating the need for costly dark fibers.
• QUARTER Consortium Leadership: LuxQuanta leads a €7M EU-funded initiative with Telefónica, Thales, and others to advance QKD standardization and deployment across Europe’s Quantum Communication Infrastructure.
• Cost Reduction Focus: The redesigned NOVA LQ® reduces operational costs through interchangeable receivers and a compact 2U form factor while maintaining high key-generation rates for multi-application support.

Technology Differentiation

The CV-QKD approach distinguishes LuxQuanta by allowing simultaneous quantum-classical data transmission on shared fibers—a critical advantage over discrete-variable competitors requiring dedicated channels. CEO Vanesa Díaz emphasizes this as foundational for “quantum-ready” infrastructure across governments, finance, and telecom sectors.

Market Positioning

LuxQuanta targets enterprises preparing for post-quantum cybersecurity regulations, emphasizing seamless integration with legacy encryption systems. Their participation in the UN’s International Year of Quantum (2025) further solidifies thought leadership in commercializing quantum-safe solutions.

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Sources

• LuxQuanta launches second generation of QKD system
• Quantum Insider coverage of NOVA LQ®
• Quantum Zeitgeist analysis
• QUARTER consortium announcement

4 The Technology Advancements

LuxQuanta Technologies SL: Current Capabilities and Advancements

LuxQuanta Technologies SL, a Spanish company specializing in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, has made significant strides since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding. Their primary focus is on developing and commercializing Continuous Variable QKD (CV-QKD) systems, which enable secure communication by leveraging quantum physics principles.

Current Capabilities

• Product Line: LuxQuanta's flagship product is the NOVA LQ system, which is designed to operate seamlessly with existing optical fiber infrastructure, allowing for the coexistence of quantum and classical data transmission. This setup facilitates a cost-effective transition to quantum-safe cybersecurity.
• Technology: The NOVA LQ system utilizes CV-QKD technology, which offers advantages such as ease of integration into existing networks and the ability to operate alongside classical communication within the same optical band.
• Market Presence: LuxQuanta has established itself as a leader in European QKD technology, with a growing presence in the global market.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Following the EIC Accelerator funding, LuxQuanta has focused on enhancing its NOVA LQ system. Notable advancements include:

• Second-Generation NOVA LQ: Launched at Mobile World Congress 2025, this iteration of the NOVA LQ system demonstrates improved performance with an extended reach of up to 100 kilometers, representing a 200% increase over its predecessor. It also supports flexible network configurations and is designed for seamless integration with existing Key Management Systems (KMS) and encryptors.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: The new system aims to reduce operational and implementation costs while enhancing scalability, making it more viable for widespread adoption in industries such as finance and telecommunications.
• Research and Development: The funding has supported ongoing R&D efforts, including the integration of LuxQuanta's optical circuit QKD technology into Photonic Integrated Chips (PICs), which is expected to improve product scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Market Demonstration and Development

LuxQuanta has actively engaged in demonstrating its technology in the market:

• Market Launches: The company has showcased its second-generation NOVA LQ system at major events like Mobile World Congress 2025, highlighting its readiness for market deployment.
• Compatibility and Integration: The NOVA LQ system is compatible with leading KMS and encryptors, ensuring smooth integration with existing infrastructure, which is crucial for customer adoption.

Intellectual Property and Scientific Contributions

While there are no recent public disclosures of new patents or scientific studies, LuxQuanta's focus on advancing CV-QKD technology and its integration into PICs suggests ongoing research efforts. The EIC Accelerator funding is expected to support further R&D activities, potentially leading to future scientific contributions and intellectual property developments.

Conclusion

LuxQuanta Technologies SL has leveraged the EIC Accelerator funding to enhance its QKD technology, focusing on cost-effectiveness, scalability, and market readiness. The advancements in its NOVA LQ system position the company well for widespread adoption in the quantum-safe cybersecurity sector.

Sources

• LuxQuanta Launches Second Generation of QKD System, NOVA LQ
• LuxQuanta: Quantum Key Distribution
• LuxQuanta Launches Second-Generation NOVA LQ Quantum Key Distribution System
• LuxQuanta Launches Second-Generation NOVA LQ QKD System at MWC 2025
• LuxQuanta Launches Second Generation Quantum Key Distribution System NOVA LQ at MWC 2025
• LuxQuanta Wins the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Program_accelerator_program_receiving_2_5m_grant_to_c/)
• LuxQuanta Secures EIC Accelerator Funding
• LuxQuanta Wins the EIC Accelerator Program and Secures €2.5M

5 The Partnerships and Customers

LuxQuanta Technologies SL, a Spanish company specializing in quantum communication technologies, recently received funding from the EIC Accelerator program in November 2023. This funding marks a significant milestone for the company, which has been actively involved in advancing quantum cryptography technologies.

Partnerships and Collaborations

LuxQuanta has established several key partnerships and collaborations:

• ID Quantique: LuxQuanta became a technological partner of ID Quantique, integrating its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology into ID Quantique's key management solution. This partnership enhances the security and efficiency of quantum cryptographic systems.
• EU Funding Initiatives: LuxQuanta leads the QUARTER consortium as part of the EuroQCI initiative, which is supported by EU funding programs like Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. This involvement reflects LuxQuanta's role in advancing quantum cryptography technologies in Europe.

New Partners and Customers

As of the latest updates, specific names of new partners or customers have not been publicly disclosed. However, the company's participation in prominent events like the Mobile World Congress and its leadership in EU-funded initiatives suggest ongoing engagement with various stakeholders in the quantum technology sector.

Nature and Purpose of Relationships

LuxQuanta's relationships are primarily focused on advancing quantum cryptography and enhancing data security through the development and integration of QKD technologies. These partnerships aim to promote cost-effective and widespread adoption of quantum secure communication solutions, preparing industries for the quantum computing era.

Positioning in the Market

LuxQuanta's partnerships and technological advancements position the company as a leader in quantum cryptography. The integration of its technology with established players like ID Quantique and its involvement in EU initiatives solidify its market presence and influence in shaping the future of quantum-era encryption.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

LuxQuanta's recent launch of the second-generation NOVA LQ QKD system demonstrates significant technological progress. This system extends the range of CV-QKD technology, enhances network flexibility, and supports cost-effective integration with existing infrastructure, contributing to the company's scaling efforts in the quantum security market.

Sources

• LuxQuanta becomes technological partner of ID Quantique
• Insights from the Mobile World Congress
• LuxQuanta, a company with an Industrial Doctorate
• LuxQuanta Launches Second-Generation NOVA LQ Quantum Key Distribution System

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

LuxQuanta Technologies SL: Growth and Developments

LuxQuanta Technologies SL, based in Spain, is a pioneering company in quantum cryptography, particularly known for its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology. Having received the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, the company has been advancing its position in the quantum cryptography market.

Current Team Size and Growth

As of now, specific details about LuxQuanta's current headcount or team size are not publicly available. However, the company's growth can be inferred from its technological advancements and strategic partnerships. The EIC Accelerator funding is expected to support further team expansion and innovation, enabling LuxQuanta to scale up its operations and enhance its market presence.

Hiring and Recent Positions

There is no specific information available on whether LuxQuanta is currently hiring or the key positions they have recently filled. However, given the company's focus on R&D and innovation, it is likely that they are continually seeking talent in areas such as quantum cryptography engineering and research.

Growth and Scaling

LuxQuanta's growth is marked by significant technological milestones. The company launched the second generation of its NOVA LQ QKD system at Mobile World Congress 2025, advancing Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution (CV-QKD) technology. This new system enhances security by operating alongside classical data in existing optical fiber infrastructure, easing the transition to quantum-safe cybersecurity. Such developments underscore LuxQuanta's commitment to shaping the future of quantum cryptography and facilitating its widespread adoption.

Future Implications

The new team members and technological advancements at LuxQuanta are pivotal for the company's future growth. They enable LuxQuanta to provide cost-effective, high-performance QKD solutions, which are crucial for safeguarding digital information in the face of emerging quantum computing threats. As quantum cryptography becomes increasingly urgent for cybersecurity, LuxQuanta is well-positioned to scale and meet the growing demand for quantum-safe solutions across various sectors.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There is no publicly available information on major changes in LuxQuanta's management or founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

Conclusion

LuxQuanta Technologies SL is poised for significant growth, driven by its innovative QKD technology and strategic partnerships. While specific details on team size and hiring are not available, the company's technological advancements suggest a strong focus on scaling and meeting the rising demand for quantum cryptography solutions.

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Sources: - LuxQuanta: Quantum Key Distribution

• LuxQuanta launches second generation of QKD system, NOVA LQ
• LuxQuanta Launches Second-Generation NOVA LQ Quantum Key Distribution System

7 The Media Features and Publications

LuxQuanta Technologies SL: Post-EIC Accelerator Engagement and Public Presence

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, LuxQuanta Technologies SL has actively participated in high-profile events, media engagements, and industry showcases to promote its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solutions. Below is a detailed overview of their public-facing activities post-funding:

Media Coverage and Institutional Recognition

While specific press articles or podcasts directly naming LuxQuanta were not found in the provided sources, the company’s Nit de les Telecomunicacions i la Informàtica 2025 award (April 2025) highlights its recognition within Catalonia’s ICT sector as a quantum technology leader. The event serves as a key platform for innovators and underscores LuxQuanta’s growing institutional footprint.

Conference Participation and Presentations

• Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024:
• Live QKD Demonstration: Encrypted a real-time videoconference using quantum-generated keys.
• CEO Vanesa Diaz’s Panel Discussions: Addressed quantum cryptography’s role alongside industry players like Quside and Nestlé.
• Quantum Flagship Involvement: Strategy Manager Sergi Vizcaíno presented on Continuous-Variable QKD market trends.
• Institutional Visits: Received delegations from the Catalan government, including Secretary Gina Tost i Faust and Minister Joaquim Nadal i Farreras, who emphasized LuxQuanta’s importance to Spain’s quantum ecosystem.

Event Outreach

LuxQuanta leverages trade fairs like MWC to engage stakeholders through guided tours and networking sessions. Their live demos aim to simplify complex quantum concepts for non-technical audiences while strengthening partnerships with European institutions.

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Sources

• About us - LuxQuanta
• LuxQuanta at the Mobile World Congress 2024
• LuxQuanta News