The initiative leverages Eurofiber’s high-quality fiber optic infrastructure and Delft Networks’ advanced quantum networking expertise, preparing for the distribution of long-lived entangled states between quantum memories separated by metropolitan distances. By integrating quantum signals with deployed fiber, the project explores how existing telecom networks can be augmented to support fundamentally new levels of privacy, trust and coordination.

Quantum entanglement
At the core of this effort is the distribution of quantum entanglement, a phenomenon that enables generation of intrinsically secure correlations and fast coordination between distant nodes. Also, entanglement allows for a new generation of machines – quantum computers and sensors – to be linked in a network providing significant performance boosts. Entanglement thus forms a foundational capability for a broader class of quantum technologies, including distributed quantum computing, ultra-precise sensing, and time synchronization using quantum clocks. By enabling reliable entanglement distribution over distance, the collaboration lays the groundwork for interconnected quantum devices operating as part of a unified network.

The Delft–Rotterdam loop serves as a real-world testbed for evaluating performance, stability, and scalability of entanglement distribution across operational fiber networks. The project focuses on key challenges such as signal attenuation, synchronization and integration into carrier-grade infrastructure. 

“Our project demonstrates how existing fiber infrastructure can evolve to support the next generation of quantum technologies.” said Marc Hulzebos, Innovation manager at Eurofiber. “By combining classical and quantum networking capabilities, we are preparing our infrastructure for a future where quantum devices become integral to communication and computation.” Ronald Hanson, CEO of Delft Networks, adds: “Deploying entanglement over operational telecom networks allows us to understand and address practical constraints and accelerate the transition from R&D to scalable deployment.”

The project is supported by funding from QDNL Delft’s Regional Quantum Program, which involves the Province of South Holland, Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag, and the municipalities of Delft, Leiden, Rotterdam and the Hague. The project underscores the province’s commitment to advancing quantum technologies and fostering collaboration between leading industrial players and the emerging quantum industry. The project marks an important step in bridging the gap between experimental quantum systems and carrier-grade network environments, reinforcing the Netherlands position at the forefront of quantum communication innovation. 

Delft Networks mission is to connect the world in the quantum age. The ability to create long-range quantum connections – entanglement – unlocks fundamental advantages in communication, both augmenting classical networks and creating the foundation for quantum ones. Building on more than forty years of combined groundbreaking research in quantum networking across the founding team, Delft Networks span-out from QuTech at TU Delft in 2024 to build the next generation of deployment-ready full-stack quantum networks. With a rapidly growing team, we are leveraging breakthroughs in manufacturable photonically integrated qubits and in quantum network software and applications to unlock real-world advantage. Delft Networks is supported by funding from the European Innovation Council, the EU Chips JU pilot  “Photonics 4 Quantum” and the EU Quantum Flagship programme “Quantum Internet Alliance”.

The AI Factory marks an important step in the development of Dutch and European AI infrastructure. AI factories leverage the supercomputing capacity of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) to develop trustworthy, advanced generative AI models. By bringing together high-performance computing power, reliable data sources, and specialized expertise, the facility will enable organizations to develop new AI applications in areas such as healthcare, the energy transition, mobility, security, and education. At the same time, it strengthens the digital sovereignty of the Netherlands and Europe by providing an alternative that aligns with European values of transparency, collaboration, security, and control over data.

Sustainability by Design
Sustainability has been a core design principle from the very beginning. Eurofiber's design supports direct cooling of AI processors, eliminating the need for potable or surface water to cool the installation. Nearly all excess heat generated by the facility will be reused through thermal energy recovery and supplied to the WarmteStad district heating network in Groningen, providing heat for approximately 2,000 homes and reducing CO₂ emissions by around 85%.

These measures result in a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) significantly lower than that of conventional data centers. In addition, the facility has been designed in close cooperation with the regional grid operator to avoid placing additional strain on the electricity grid and to actively contribute to mitigating grid congestion. This includes the deployment of battery energy storage systems and other congestion-reducing measures.

Strategic Investment in Sovereign AI
Hans Louwhoff, Member of the Executive Board of SURF: "The development of artificial intelligence requires advanced computing power, reliable data, and specialized expertise. With the AI Factory, we are creating a national resource that enables researchers, educational institutions, governments, and businesses to develop AI applications aligned with our public values. In doing so, we strengthen not only innovation but also our digital sovereignty. Sustainability was a non-negotiable requirement from the outset of this project. Eurofiber's design demonstrates that large-scale AI infrastructure can go hand in hand with responsible energy use."

Setting a New Standard for Future Data Centers
Elisabeth Hankeln, Managing Director of Eurofiber Cloud Infra: "This project brings together two worlds that are often viewed separately: the explosive growth of AI and the urgent need to make our digital infrastructure more sustainable. At Eurofiber, we have invested for years in innovations related to energy efficiency, heat recovery, and the intelligent integration of data centers into the energy system. Through this project for SURF, we have the opportunity to bring all of that knowledge and experience together. It gives us a unique opportunity to deliver an AI facility that ranks among the industry's leaders in sustainability and energy efficiency, while setting a new benchmark for future data centers."

A Milestone for the Netherlands
The AI Factory will provide the Netherlands with large-scale AI infrastructure specifically designed for the development, training, and deployment of advanced AI models within a Dutch and European context. The combination of digital sovereignty, scientific innovation, and exceptional sustainability makes this project unique in the Netherlands.

The AI Factory will be housed in Eurofiber's existing data center in Groningen. The facility is scheduled for completion during 2027, with the AI supercomputer expected to be fully operational in early 2028.

Quantum computers are expected, over time, to break parts of the encryption that currently protects digital communication. Quantum-secure communication is intended to help organisations prepare for that shift. That’s important not only for technology specialists, but for the everyday systems people rely on to live their lives including banking, medical data, government communication, as well as the digital infrastructure behind ports, energy grids and other public and vital services.

This includes addressing the so-called ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ risk, where sensitive data intercepted today may become vulnerable in the future. QCFR has been launched to help translate these challenges into practical action now: by testing technologies, assessing implementation conditions and building the operational understanding required for trusted deployment.

QCFR builds on a proven foundation in Rotterdam. In 2024, a consortium including the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Q*Bird, Cisco, Eurofiber, Portbase, Intermax and InnovationQuarter realised what was presented as the world's first scalable quantum internet connection in the port of Rotterdam. That pilot proved that quantum-secure communication can work in a demanding, real-world port environment. QCFR is the logical next step towards broader testing, validation and operational readiness.

In 2025, Eurofiber and Q*Bird secured €1 million in support for the QUEST project, which enables Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) across two of Eurofiber's main datacentres in the Randstad and deploys operational quantum-secure infrastructure, including commercial QKD services that customers can purchase, lease or consume as a managed service. Together, the two initiatives accelerate the deployment and adoption of quantum-secure communications in the Netherlands.

The Fieldlab will focus on quantum-secure communication, including QKD-based environments and advanced QKD protocols. Built around real infrastructure and practical implementation challenges, QCFR will assess technical resilience, interoperability, operational feasibility and integration into existing infrastructure environments.

QCFR also supports capability development, knowledge transfer and practical learning to inform future certification and assurance approaches for trusted adoption at larger scale.

QCFR is founded by INSPIR8ION, Eurofiber, Q*Bird, Cisco and CGI. INSPIR8ION acts as QCFR Manager and coordinates the Fieldlab; Eurofiber provides the digital infrastructure and datacentre environment; Q*Bird contributes its quantum-secure communication technology; Cisco brings networking technology for government and enterprise use; and CGI delivers system integration. They are supported by the Port of Rotterdam, the Municipality of Rotterdam, InnovationQuarter and the Province of Zuid-Holland, which provide the real-world infrastructure, public-sector engagement and regional development that anchor QCFR in the Rotterdam port and the wider Zuid-Holland ecosystem.

The launch event brings together representatives from government, industry, knowledge institutions and the broader innovation ecosystem. With QCFR, Rotterdam strengthens its position as a leading environment for the testing, validation and operational adoption of quantum-secure communications, supporting broader Dutch and European ambitions around digital resilience, trusted connectivity and strategic autonomy.

More information Quantum Communication Fieldlab Rotterdam: https://www.qcfr.eu

Building on their existing strategic partnership the two enterprises will leverage their open digital infrastructure, to create a shared quantum-secured fiber corridor that enables banks, trading platforms and market infrastructure providers to protect critical data against emerging quantum threats while maintaining low-latency, high-performance connectivity. This initiative complements the carriers’ focus on quantum-safe networking and recent investments in quantum-secure infrastructure, and marks an important step towards future-proof, pan-European secure communications for the financial sector.

From left to right Mirko Voltolini, VP Technology & Innovation at Colt Technology, Phaedra Kortekaas, Managing Director Eurofiber Netherlands, Frank Miller, Chief AI and Platforms Officer Colt Technology Services and Peter Coppens, VP Product at Colt Technology Services

Phaedra Kortekaas, Managing Director Eurofiber, said: “At Eurofiber, we strongly believe that the future of secure connectivity depends on deep, strategic collaboration. Our partnership with Colt is a clear example of how combining expertise and vision leads to the kind of future‑proof solutions the market urgently needs. Together, we are shaping a resilient, quantum‑secure infrastructure that empowers our customers to lead the way in shaping tomorrow’s digital future.”

Peter Coppens, VP - Infrastructure & Connectivity Solutions, Colt Technology Services, said: “I think that Colt and Eurofiber are united by a singular vision. The extension of our partnership is rooted in a shared belief that the future of connectivity must be both uncompromisingly secure and exceptionally high performing. Eurofiber’s open digital infrastructure and forward‑looking approach to innovation provide the ideal foundation for our joint mission to accelerate quantum‑safe networking. By combining Colt’s strengths in ultra‑low‑latency, carrier‑grade services with Eurofiber’s dense and resilient fibre network, we are paving the way for rapid adoption of Quantum Key Distribution and next‑generation quantum‑resilient security. Together, we will enable the financial sector to move confidently into the quantum era, delivering secure, resilient connectivity designed not only for today’s demands, but for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Quantum Key Distribution offers a new form of encryption security
QKD uses a data encryption key based on quantum technology that is resistant to attempted interception. QKD helps protect valuable data from possible future attacks using quantum computers, playing a vital role in securing critical infrastructure, for example in the financial area.  This technology allows scalable and cost-effective quantum encrypted fiber connections, enabling the many businesses between Brussels, Amsterdam and London to be connected via breach-proof connections.

About Colt Technology Services
We’re Colt. We own and operate exceptional digital infrastructure which powers the global AI economy, connects societies, builds communities and transforms lives. 6,000 colleagues in 80+ offices across Europe, Asia, and North America share a deep commitment to delivering an outstanding experience and making every interaction effortless for our customers.

Customers and partners choose our award-winning fibre infrastructure, digital platforms and security solutions, delivered across a network that spans continents and crosses oceans. We’re Europe’s largest B2B operator: we connect 40+ countries, 32,000 enterprise buildings, 275+ points of presence, and 12 cable landing stations and we manage eight subsea cable systems. We also co-manage AS3356 - the most widely peered network in the world. Founded in London over 30 years ago, we’re privately funded and driven by values of fairness, inclusion and equity. We’re known for our urgent call for social and sustainable change, and we're guided by our purpose in everything we do: creating effortless connections and extraordinary outcomes for our customers, communities and people.

Be a part of our story: come on over to www.colt.net  or join our amazing communities at LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Media enquiry? Email us at pressqueries@colt.net. 

5G RedCap: a logical extension to a mature ecosystem
Together with Nokia and the other strategic partners, Eurofiber is building a Private 5G ecosystem based on secure, scalable and sector-specific 5G solutions on top of Eurofiber’s fiber infrastructure. 5G RedCap fits seamlessly into this strategy. The technology is designed for large-scale IoT applications that require reliability and low latency, but not the full 5G bandwidth. It offers lower complexity than full 5G modems, reduced energy consumption, affordable modules, and support for large numbers of IoT devices such as sensors, wearables and cameras.

Growing demand in industry, logistics, healthcare and construction
In virtually all sectors, demand for scalable IoT connectivity is increasing — a trend Eurofiber sees clearly in the market. By making 5G RedCap available within the private network, a crucial missing link in modern IoT connectivity is filled. No Dutch operator has commercially rolled out 5G RedCap yet, making this private 5G ecosystem once again a frontrunner.

Secure, scalable and economically attractive
5G RedCap makes it possible to start IoT projects easily and scale them up step by step without major upfront investments. This aligns with the existing private 5G service model and creates opportunities in industry, healthcare, logistics and construction. With 5G RedCap, integrating OT equipment and IT networks also becomes easier. The technology enables real-time data collection with reliable coverage and low latency in dynamic environments. Thanks to the implementation of 5G RedCap, IoT devices can now be directly connected to Eurofiber’s secure, open fiber backbone — a major advantage compared to WiFi, BLE or LPWAN technologies.

Phaedra Kortekaas, Managing Director Eurofiber Netherlands “With the introduction of 5G RedCap within our Private 5G ecosystem, we are giving our customers a powerful new building block for their digital transformation. More and more organizations want to modernize their operations with IoT applications, while seeking maximum reliability and security. Thanks to our unique collaboration, we now make this innovation widely accessible, directly connected to our fiber backbone. With all the data captured via IoT, AI models can function even better. This is a breakthrough to capture the full potential of AI for companies working in a data-driven way.”

Prakash Sadagopan, Head of Mission Critical Enterprise, Global Sales and Customer Operations, Nokia “Reliable networks are the foundation of digital transformation for today’s enterprises. With 5G RedCap, we are advancing connectivity by enabling scalable, energy-efficient IoT deployments within Eurofiber’s Private 5G ecosystem. Together, we empower mission-critical enterprises with secure, high-performance wireless solutions that support real-time operations and future growth.”

European Regional Development Fund (EFRO) program. This funding will support their joint technical project, aptly named QUEST, to enable Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) across two of Eurofiber’s main datacenters in the Randstad, West region of the Netherlands.

The project marks a significant milestone in the development of Next Generation quantum key distribution technology, offering secure, tamper-proof communication between users. By leveraging Eurofiber’s extensive fiberoptic network, the collaboration will allow customers to access QKD secured lit services, ensuring robust data security for critical applications, across multiple local quantum networks.

Deputy Meindert Stolk of the province of South Holland hands over the €1 million euro funding on behalf of Kansen voor West at the NLPavilion MWC25 in Barcelona. Paul Naastepad, Managing Director Eurofiber the Netherlands, Ingrid Romijn, CEO Q*Bird and Marc Hulzebos, Business Innovation Officer Eurofiber.

‘’As a provider of critical digital infrastructure, Eurofiber works daily on the resilience and security of the network. This project is a critical step forward in the evolution of Quantum secure communications. By permanently enabling Quantum Key Distribution across our Randstad datacenters and our Private Cloud infrastructure, we are not just enhancing security for our customers today but also laying the groundwork for future quantum network services,” said Marc Hulzebos, Innovation Manager at Eurofiber. “Our partnership with Q*Bird demonstrates our commitment to scaling emerging technologies, ensuring that Eurofiber remains at the forefront of the next-generation digital infrastructure.’ 

Working with Single Quantum, a manufacturer of quantum detection systems, Q*Bird aims to further develop Next Generation QKD quantum networking technology, with the goal of scaling the technology to a more commercially viable application. In the project, multiple smaller QKD networks will be connected to allow quantum encrypted communication between any pair of users in this extended quantum network. The project will strengthen the collaboration between Q*Bird and network provider Eurofiber, connecting quantum communication networks in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Any customer needing confidential data communication can benefit, including critical infrastructure, local public authorities, governments, and businesses. This will the accelerate development and implementation of an ultra-secure quantum internet.

‘‘As we continue to deploy quantum security solutions, we are excited to contribute to a safer and more secure digital future for our customers,” says co-founder and CEO Ingrid Romijn. ‘Today, we are building devices for quantum-secured data communications and this project will allow us to significantly enhance our business proposition for a wide range of customers. In the future, we will enable general-purpose quantum connectivity by providing new products and seamlessly integrating those with our pre-existing quantum cryptography network across datacenters.’

The Kansen voor West by Provincie Zuid-Holland, subsidy program is an economic stimulation program for the western part of the Netherlands, backed by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRO). It aims to strengthen the regional research and innovation capacity and the introduction of advanced technologies. The main goal of the QUEST project is to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge quantum security technologies in the Netherlands.

About Q*Bird
Q*Bird  (Q Bird - Secure Quantum Connectivity) is a system provider for secure quantum communications. Their novel technology can protect our data communications and digital infrastructure on the basis of fundamental laws of nature and provably secure, even against a future quantum computer. Q*Bird started in 2022 when it spun out of Delft University of Technology. During 2023, Q*Bird field-tested its prototype systems in various datacenters in the Netherlands, making it available for integration tests with future users and customers. After a successful pilot in which Europe’s largest harbor, the Port of Rotterdam, tested Q*Bird’s Quantum Key Distribution System, Q*Bird is supplying its Falqon4000 series (Products - Q Bird ) in EU27 member states as part of the EuroQCI program, as well as serving other customers.

About Kansen voor West
Kansen voor West provides an innovative boost to the regional economy in the Randstad. The entire Kansen voor West III program is based on the regional smart specialization strategy of the Dutch government. The western region of the Netherlands follows a mission-driven innovation strategy aimed at valorization and removing barriers to the widespread implementation of innovations needed for societal transitions. Acceptance by businesses and citizens is crucial, as is the development of skills in the labor market. Key themes include circularity, climate neutrality, health, safety, digitalization, and integration.

This project is financed by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund), Kansen voor West and Co-Financed by the European Union.

Dutch news article newsroom Port of Rotterdam

Video Quantum Encrypted Fiber Network in Port of Rotterdam