Quantum Optics Jena receives 8.5 million euros in Series A funding

Quantum Optics Jena enables tap-proof communication for companies and critical infrastructures through quantum encryption

Jena, September 11, 2024 - The startup Quantum Optics Jena (QOJ) has received 8.5 million euros in a Series A financing round. The round was led by Join Capital, a leading European venture capital investor. Other investors include ELAS Technologies GmbH, Fraunhofer Technologie-Transfer Fonds, beteiligungsmanagement Thüringen (bm|t) and business angel Malte Pollmann. This investment will be used to drive QOJ's expansion and make quantum key technology available to the broad market.

Tap-proof communication thanks to quantum optics

Quantum Optics Jena is developing a unique technology for secure data transmission based on quantum optics. By using entangled photon pairs, QOJ generates tap-proof keys that are used to encrypt and decrypt data. This method, known as entanglement-based key distribution (EKD), allows multiple users to communicate securely at the same time.

QOJ has the potential to fundamentally change the way we communicate securely. The technology sets new standards in cyber security.

Tobias Schirmer, Partner at Join Capital

Quantum Optics Jena was spun out of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) in 2020 and has quickly established itself as a pioneer in quantum-safe communication. Founders Dr. Kevin Füchsel and Dr. Oliver de Vries established the company following scientific successes that were recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Unique technology and global expansion

QOJ is currently the world's only commercial provider of multi-party quantum key distribution systems and offers hardware, software and services for secure data exchange. The solutions are of particular interest to customers with high security requirements, including government networks, critical infrastructures, banks, research institutions, SMEs and the healthcare sector.

Our technology is no longer limited to research labs, but is ready for use in the real world. With the new financing, we can expand our production capacities and scale our technology globally.

Dr. Kevin Füchsel, CEO of QOJ

Building the European quantum communication infrastructure

Quantum Optics Jena is currently working on projects such as the networking of data centers and critical infrastructures and is active in countries such as Singapore, Spain, Austria, Slovakia and the USA. The company is also involved in the development of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), which should be operational throughout Europe by 2027.