News and PressJun 2026

Introducing Falqon® Key Manager to enable scalable quantum secure networks

Delft, The Netherlands – 30 June 2026 – Falqon® Systems (formerly Q*Bird) today announced the launch of the Falqon® Key Manager, a standalone quantum key management system designed to enable scalable, interoperable and hybrid quantum secure networks.

As organisations prepare for the quantum era, the challenge is no longer limited to generating quantum secure cryptographic keys. While Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as one of the most promising technologies for securing sensitive communications, organisations are increasingly focused on how to operationalise and scale quantum secure communications across distributed infrastructures. Quantum secure migration initiatives are accelerating globally, driven by emerging national and international cybersecurity strategies and growing requirements for quantum security across government, critical infrastructure and highly regulated environments.

Government agencies, defence organisations, telecom operators and critical infrastructure providers require secure communications across diverse operational environments. These environments include cloud, operational technology networks, remote facilities, edge locations and distributed infrastructure environments.

While Falqon® Systems’ (formerly Q*Bird) scalable MDI-QKD (Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution) architectures provide the foundation for securing mission-critical communications and multipoint-to-multipoint quantum secure networks, organisations may also operate across environments where direct QKD deployment is not always practical or available, including cloud environments and third-party infrastructures.

As quantum secure communication infrastructures scale across multiple sites and network environments, organisations require the ability to securely manage, distribute and deliver Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) keys, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) keys and hybrid keys across distributed infrastructures. This requires an operational key management layer capable of bridging QKD and non-QKD environments while delivering crypto agility, resilience, and scalable hybrid quantum secure networking.

From quantum links to quantum secure networks

The Falqon® Key Manager is a standalone Quantum Key Management System (QKMS) designed to enable scalable, interoperable and hybrid quantum secure network deployments. By combining QKD, PQC and PKI-based key distribution methods within a unified key management architecture, the Falqon® Key Manager natively supports the delivery of QKD keys, PQC keys and hybrid keys across distributed network infrastructures. This enables organisations to build resilient quantum secure communication infrastructures that leverage both quantum and classical quantum-resistant technologies.

Acting as the secure layer between key generation technologies and consuming applications, the Falqon® Key Manager enables organisations to securely ingest, store, synchronise and deliver cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures. It bridges QKD and non-QKD environments, extends quantum secure network beyond QKD-enabled locations and enables hybrid key deployments, trusted-node architectures, the interconnection of distributed quantum secure infrastructures and the integration of multiple QKD domains within a unified key management architecture. It provides secure key lifecycle management across applications, encryptors and network environments, enabling the operationalisation of quantum secure network at scale.

“QKD and PQC are not competing technologies. They solve different problems and will increasingly operate together. Organisations need a secure way to combine these technologies within a unified architecture while securely managing cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures. That capability becomes increasingly important as quantum secure networks scale. That is exactly what the Falqon® Key Manager is designed to do,” said Dr. Joshua Slater, CTO at Falqon® Systems (formerly Q*Bird).

Enabling hybrid quantum secure networking

The Falqon® Key Manager is designed to address evolving integration requirements across quantum networking ecosystems, reducing operational complexity associated with fragmented key infrastructures, duplicated integrations and vendor lock-in. It delivers a standards-based and multi-vendor environment while enabling organisations to evolve their quantum secure infrastructure over time.

Dr. Joshua Slater, CTO at Falqon® Systems (formerly Q*Bird) added, “The industry has spent years proving that QKD works. The next challenge is scale. Organisations need to secure cloud environments, edge locations, operational technology networks and critical infrastructure sites where QKD cannot always be deployed directly. At the same time, they need to combine QKD, Post-Quantum Cryptography and PKI-based key distribution methods within a crypto-agile and resilient operational architecture.”

Advancing Falqon® Systems’ vision for quantum secure infrastructure

The launch represents an important milestone in Falqon® Systems’ (formerly Q*Bird) broader vision of delivering the infrastructure required for scalable quantum secure communications. The Falqon® Key Manager expands Falqon® Systems’ (formerly Q*Bird) portfolio beyond quantum key generation and network orchestration by introducing the standalone operational key management layer required for scalable hybrid quantum secure networks.

“As organisations move from pilot deployments towards operational quantum secure networks, they require more than key generation technologies. They need infrastructure that can securely manage cryptographic keys across distributed environments, support hybrid deployments, enable crypto agility and resilience and scale across entire organisations. The Falqon® Key Manager provides that foundation,” shares Dr. Ingrid Romijn, CEO and Co-Founder at Falqon® Systems (formerly Q*Bird).

The launch reflects a broader industry shift where operational deployment, interoperability and scalability across diverse network environments have become key requirements for quantum secure networking.

“Government, defence, telecom and critical infrastructure operators are already preparing for the transition to quantum secure communications. The challenge is no longer whether quantum secure communications are possible, but how to deploy them at scale. The Falqon® Key Manager accelerate that transition by enabling scalable hybrid quantum secure networks across distributed infrastructures,” shares Dr. Ingrid Romijn, CEO and Co-Founder at Q*Bird.

Built for security-critical environments

The Falqon® Key Manager is designed for security sensitive environments, including government, defence, telecom and critical infrastructure deployments. Security sensitive deployments often require flexible deployment models aligned with operational, compliance and infrastructure requirements. The Falqon® Key Manager can be deployed within Falqon® Systems’ (formerly Q*Bird) QKD Nodes, as a separate on-premise KMS device, on customer-provided on-premise servers, or within customer-provided cloud environments.

“Organisations require the flexibility to deploy quantum secure infrastructure in a manner aligned with their operational and security requirements. The Falqon® Key Manager was designed to provide secure key lifecycle management across distributed environments while maintaining operational simplicity and resilience,” added Dani van der Meer, Lead Software Engineer at Falqon® Systems (formerly Q*Bird).

Building the foundation for scalable quantum secure communications

Together with the Falqon® MDI-QKD Series and Quantum Domain Controller (QDC), the Falqon® Key Manager forms part of Falqon® Systems’ (formerly Q*Bird) end-to-end quantum secure networking portfolio.

The Falqon® QKD Series provides the quantum key generation layer, including Falqon® Systems’ (formerly Q*Bird) Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) systems, while the Falqon® Key Manager delivers the operational key management capabilities required to securely ingest, store, synchronise and deliver cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures.

By bridging QKD and non-QKD environments, enabling the delivery of QKD keys, PQC keys and hybrid keys across distributed infrastructures, the Falqon® Key Manager provides the operational foundation for scalable hybrid quantum secure networks.

As quantum networking ecosystems continue to mature, organisations increasingly require infrastructure capable of delivering interoperability, crypto agility and operational resilience across diverse network environments. The Falqon® Key Manager is designed to provide the operational foundation for the next generation of scalable quantum secure communications.

🔗 Read more about the Falqon® Key Manager here!

Media Relations Contact:
Milu Sini Lal
Marketing & Communication Specialist

Note: Q*Bird rebranded as Falqon® Systems in September 2026.

How can I get support for my Falqon® Systems solution?

You can contact our support team through the form on this page or by e-mail at support@falqonsystems.com. Our team is available to assist with technical questions, product support and deployment-related enquiries.

What is a Quantum Secure Network (QSN)?

A Quantum Secure Network (QSN) is an operational communication infrastructure that combines quantum key generation, secure key lifecycle management, network orchestration and interoperability within a unified product solution. Rather than protecting individual communication links, Quantum Secure Networks (QSN) embed security directly into the network architecture, enabling trusted connectivity across distributed environments.

Are you moving away from QKD?

No. Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) remains the technological foundation of Quantum Secure Networks (QSN) and continues to be a core technology within the Falqon® Systems product portfolio.

Operational Quantum Secure Networks (QSN) require considerably more than quantum key generation alone. They require integrated infrastructure capable of securely managing cryptographic keys, orchestrating network operations, supporting architectures and enabling interoperability across distributed infrastructures. Falqon® Systems introduces and develops this broader infrastructure while continuing to advance scalable MDI-QKD.

Does the transition affect our existing relationship?

No. The transition to Falqon® Systems does not affect our existing relationship, ongoing collaboration or commitment to supporting your organisation. While the company’s corporate identity has evolved, our leadership, expertise, technology, customer focus and long-term commitment remain unchanged. Customers and partners will continue working with the same teams while benefiting from a broader product portfolio and long-term strategy centered around Quantum Secure Networks (QSN).

I have additional questions. Who should I contact?

If you have any questions regarding the transition, please contact your existing Falqon® Systems representative or reach out via our Contact page. Our team will be pleased to assist you.

For specific enquiries, please use the following points of contact:  

Commercial, Customer and Partnership Enquiries:

For commercial discussions, ongoing projects, customer engagement and partnership opportunities, please visit the Falqon® Systems website or contact via e-mail at sales@falqonsystems.com.  

Marketing and Communications:

For questions relating to the corporate identity, company information, branding, logos, approved marketing assets, presentations or corporate communications, please contact the dedicated Marketing and Communications Specialist of Falqon® System via milu@falqonsystems.com.  

Technical and Product Enquiries:

For technical support, product information, deployments, integration activities or product roadmap discussions, please visit our Support Page or contact via e-mail at support@falqonsystems.com.  

General Enquiries:

For all other enquiries, please visit the Falqon® Systems website or contact via e-mail at info@falqonsystems.com.

Is Falqon® Systems B.V. a new company?

No. Q*Bird B.V. is changing its registered company name to Falqon® Systems B.V. This does not create a new legal entity. The same Dutch legal entity continues to exist under its new registered name. The company’s Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number, VAT registration and other corporate identifiers remain unchanged.

What is changing?

Q*Bird becomes Falqon® Systems. The Falqon® portfolio becomes the unified product solution. Future technologies will be developed under the Falqon® Systems portfolio as part of a unified product solution that enables Quantum Secure Networks (QSN).

What is MDI-QKD and why does it matter for Quantum Secure Networks?

Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) is the technological foundation of Falqon® Quantum Secure Networks (QSN). It removes detector-side vulnerabilities from the QKD security model and enables secure key distribution across scalable multi-user network architectures. This makes it well suited for building resilient, operational quantum secure communication infrastructure.

Where can I find documentation or setup guides?

Documentation and setup guides are available for Falqon® Systems products. If you are unsure which materials you need, contact our support team and we will guide you to the right resources.

Why is Q*Bird becoming Falqon® Systems?

The transition to Falqon® Systems reflects the evolution of both the company and the market. Q*Bird established itself as a pioneer in scalable Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), demonstrating that quantum secure communications can move beyond laboratory environments towards operational deployment.  

As the market matures, customer requirements are evolving beyond standalone quantum communication technologies towards operational Quantum Secure Networks (QSN) capable of securing communications across multiple networks, applications and distributed infrastructures. Building upon the technological foundation established through scalable MDI-QKD, Falqon® Systems reflects the company’s broader strategy of developing the infrastructure required to deploy, integrate, manage and operate Quantum Secure Networks (QSN).  

The transition aligns the company’s identity with its long-term strategy, future technology roadmap and international growth ambitions.

Will product names change?

The company becomes Falqon® Systems. The product portfolio continues under the Falqon® brand, including the Falqon® MDI-QKD Series, Falqon® Key Manager and Falqon® Domain Controller. Future technologies will be incorporated into this product portfolio.

Can I request remote support from your team?

Yes. Our Support Team can provide remote assistance where required. Contact us and we will coordinate the appropriate next steps based on your support needs.

Is the legal entity changing?

No. The legal entity remains the same. Only the registered company name changes from Q*Bird B.V. to Falqon® Systems B.V. The change does not affect the company’s ownership, existing rights, obligations or contractual commitments.

Is this just a rebrand?

No. The transition represents the strategic evolution of the company rather than a change in direction.  

What has evolved is the scope of the product portfolio and the market it serves. Falqon® Systems reflects the company’s expansion beyond quantum key generation towards integrated infrastructure supporting the complete operational lifecycle of Quantum Secure Networks (QSN).

What has not changed?

The transition does not change the company’s ownership, leadership, legal entity, employees, customer relationships, technology roadmap, research programmes, intellectual property or existing deployments.  

Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) remains the technological foundation of the company’s portfolio.

What is a Quantum Secure Network (QSN)?

Why does quantum security matter now?

With the advancement of quantum computing, organisations are preparing for the eventual arrival of Q-Day, the point at which sufficiently powerful quantum computers could compromise widely used public-key cryptography. This risk is already driving action through “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL), where encrypted data is collected today for potential decryption in the future. As a result, organisations are increasingly defining their quantum secure strategies and moving from evaluating individual technologies towards deploying operational quantum secure communications across networks and distributed infrastructures.

Will existing contracts change?

No. Existing contractual agreements remain unchanged. The transition affects the corporate identity and brand positioning rather than the company’s contractual commitments.

Will existing Q*Bird documentation remain valid?

Yes. Technical documentation, user manuals, installation guides, certification documentation and other previously issued materials remain valid unless superseded by a newer revision. Updated documentation will gradually be released under the Falqon® Systems corporate identity as part of the normal documentation lifecycle.

Are the company's ownership or leadership changing?

No. The company’s ownership and leadership remain unchanged.

Do we need to sign new agreements?

No. Existing agreements remain in force and no action is required as a result of the transition. Should any future administrative updates be required, these will be communicated directly by your Falqon® Systems representative.

What is the Falqon® product portfolio?

The Falqon® portfolio brings together the core technologies required to build and operate Quantum Secure Networks (QSN). The Falqon® MDI-QKD Series enables quantum key distribution across scalable network architectures, the Falqon® Key Manager manages and delivers cryptographic keys across QKD, PQC and hybrid environments and the Falqon® Domain Controller provides centralised control, configuration and monitoring of the quantum network.

Why is the company focusing on Quantum Secure Networks (QSN)?

The market is evolving beyond standalone technologies towards operational infrastructures. Quantum Secure Networks (QSN) represent the next stage in the evolution of quantum secure communications by integrating quantum key generation, secure key lifecycle management, orchestration and interoperability within a unified product solution. The company’s long-term strategy is aligned with this market evolution.

Why is the transition taking place now?

The market is entering a new phase. Quantum secure communications are moving beyond technology validation and pilot deployments towards operational implementation. Organisations increasingly require interoperable infrastructure capable of supporting secure communications across multiple networks and distributed environments. The transition to Falqon® Systems reflects this market evolution and aligns the company’s identity with its long-term strategic direction.

Will your website change?

Yes. The corporate website will transition to reflect the Falqon® Systems identity. Customers and partners will continue to have access to product information, technical documentation, company news, contact information and other corporate resources through the Falqon® Systems website, accessible here: falqonsystems.com. Where applicable, redirects will be implemented to support a seamless transition and minimise disruption.

Do customers and partners need to take any action?

No immediate action is required. Customers will be informed of the transition and provided with updated corporate information where applicable, including company branding, e-mail domains and corporate communications. Existing contracts, products and support arrangements remain unchanged.

Does the company's Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number change?

No. The company’s Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number remains unchanged.No. The company’s Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number remains unchanged.

How does Quantum Secure Networks (QSN) fit into the company's longer term technology roadmap?

Quantum Secure Networks (QSN) provide the infrastructure for secure communications today while establishing the foundation for Falqon® Systems’ longer-term technology vision. The network architecture is designed to evolve alongside future quantum networking technologies, supporting quantum interconnects, distributed quantum computing, networked quantum sensors and the future quantum internet.

Is Falqon® technology ready for deployment today?

Yes. Falqon® technologies are already deployed across operational quantum communication networks in Europe, including multi-site and cross-border environments. These deployments demonstrate the scalability, interoperability and operational readiness of Falqon® technology across real-world network infrastructures.

What does Falqon® Systems represent?

Falqon® Systems represents the company’s long-term strategy of building the infrastructure required to deploy, integrate, manage and operate scalable Quantum Secure Networks (QSN). The new identity reflects the evolution from standalone quantum communication technologies towards integrated infrastructure supporting trusted digital connectivity and future quantum networking capabilities.

News and Press·September 2026

Q*Bird becomes Falqon® Systems, building the infrastructure for Quantum Secure Networks (QSN)

Events·September 2026