What Quantum Optics Jena does

Quantum Optics Jena GmbH (QOJ) is a privately held German deep-technology company founded in 2020 and headquartered in Jena, Thüringen, with a North American subsidiary (Quantum Optics Jena Corporation). The company designs and sells entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems that generate symmetric encryption keys from correlated photon pairs, providing tap-proof communications whose security derives from physical laws rather than mathematical complexity. Its modular 'Elvis' QKD platform integrates three proprietary building blocks: the 'HD' entangled photon pair sources (available at 800 nm, 1300 nm O-Band, and 1500 nm C-Band wavelengths, with >97% fidelity and >40-50 million pairs/sec), the 'PAM' polarization analyzing and control modules (with patent-protected automated polarization control), and the 'LLC' software suite implementing the BBM92 protocol with support for SKIP and ETSI QKD 014, delivering QBER below 9% and secure key rates above 1,500 bits/s at 10 dB loss. The portfolio also covers satellite/space QKD payloads and a PIC-PAM silicon-photonics integration project aimed at an SFP-like chip-scale module.

The company operates a direct enterprise field-sales motion targeting data-center operators, critical infrastructure operators, and telecommunications providers across Europe and North America, complemented by professional services for network planning and protocol integration. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of QKD systems and sub-components (HD sources, PAM modules) plus customized consulting, with quote-based, project-specific pricing for enterprise deployments. QOJ has demonstrated its technology live with regional telecom operator envia TEL and DE-CIX in Germany, is backed by EUR 8.5 million in Series A funding led by Join Capital (Sept 2024), and is a participant in the EU/Thüringen-co-financed PIC-PAM consortium. The company employs 11-50 people and is led by Managing Directors Dr. Oliver de Vries and Dr. Kevin Füchsel.

Name

Quantum Optics Jena

Legal name

Quantum Optics Jena GmbH

Website

https://qo-jena.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Quantum Optics Jena develops entanglement-based quantum key distribution systems for tap-proof communications. The German company sells modular QKD hardware (Elvis, HD, PAM) and software to data centers, critical infrastructure operators, telecommunications providers, and research institutions across Europe and North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Quantum Key Distribution Hardware

NAICS

Electronic Connector Manufacturing (334417), Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems & Networks (HDAGAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems & Networks (HDAGAGAA), Quantum Repeaters & Entanglement Distribution (HDAGAFAB), Quantum Transceivers, Modems & Photonic Interfaces (HDAGAFAE), Quantum Satellite Communications (Space-Based QKD & Links) (HDAGAFAH)

Keywords

• Quantum key distribution
• Entangled photon sources
• QKD hardware systems
• Photonic quantum components
• Quantum cryptography devices

Headquarters

HQ city

Jena

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. QKD System Sales: Sale of complete 'Elvis' Quantum Key Distribution systems including entangled photon pair sources (HD), polarization analyzing modules (PAM), and software suites. Systems are sold as modular building blocks enabling cost-efficient implementation for data-center connections and communication networks.
2. Entangled Photon Pair Source Sales: Sale of HD product line entangled photon pair sources for industrial and scientific applications, available at 800 nm, 1300 nm, and 1500 nm wavelengths. Targets fiber networks and space/satellite applications.
3. Polarization Analyzing Module Sales: Sale of PAM sub-systems enabling automated polarization measurement and control. Available for free-space optics (experimental setups) and fiber-coupled integration (data centers and communication networks).
4. Professional Services & Consulting: Customized consulting for planning star-like, multi-user, or long-distance trusted node networks. Protocol implementation support for integration with encryptors and existing infrastructure, plus customized management and hardware status interfaces.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Quantum Optics Jena develops and sells entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems under the "Elvis" brand, combining proprietary HD entangled photon pair sources, PAM polarization analyzing and control modules, and the LLC quantum protocol implementation based on BBM92. The portfolio covers fiber-network QKD at 800 nm (short-distance), 1300 nm and 1500 nm (long-distance telecom bands), satellite/space QKD payloads, and a supporting QKD software suite, sold as customized, modular building blocks to enterprise data-center, telecom, and critical-infrastructure customers.

Product overview

Quantum Optics Jena is a quantum technology company that develops and delivers Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems based on entangled photons for cybersecurity solutions. The product portfolio is organized as a modular platform architecture centered around the 'Elvis' QKD systems, which consist of three core integrated components: the 'HD' entangled photon pair source, the 'PAM' polarization analyzing and control sub-systems, and the proprietary 'LLC' quantum protocol implementation based on the BBM92 protocol. The company offers fiber-based network solutions (Elvis 800 for short-distance at 800nm wavelength, Elvis 1500 for long-distance at 1300-1550nm), satellite and space-based QKD payloads, and an advanced software suite supporting SKIP and ETSI QKD 014 protocols. The HD product line provides entangled photon pair sources at 800nm, 1300nm, and 1500nm wavelengths for various network configurations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Elvis QKD Systems: Quantum Key Distribution systems consisting of entangled photon pair source 'HD', polarization analyzing modules 'PAM', and quantum protocol implementation 'LLC' based on the BBM92 protocol
• HD Entangled Photon Pair Sources
• PAM Polarization Analyzing Modules
• iPAM

Products and services

• Elvis QKD Systems Modular Quantum Key Distribution system for secure fiber-based communications, combining the HD entangled photon pair source, PAM polarization analyzing modules, and the LLC quantum protocol implementation based on BBM92. Available in Elvis 800 (short-distance, 780–830 nm) and Elvis 1500 (long-distance, 1300–1550 nm) variants for enterprise data-center, campus, and telecom fiber networks.
• HD Entangled Photon Pair Sources High-performance polarization-entangled photon pair sources for generating secure encryption keys, quantum imaging setups, and quantum technology experiments. Available in HD 800 (~800 nm), HD 1300 (~1300 nm O-Band), and HD 1500 (~1500 nm C-Band) variants with a compact thermo-mechanically stable platform and deterministic assembly algorithms achieving >97% entanglement fidelity. Sold to industrial customers building fiber QKD links or satellite QKD payloads and to scientific research institutions.
• PAM Polarization Analyzing Modules Automated and self-calibrated polarization measurement sub-systems for QKD systems, available in free-space (experimental) and fiber-coupled (data-center/network) versions. PAM 800 (750–850 nm, SPAD detectors >50% efficiency) and PAM 1500 (1100–1550 nm, SNSPD detectors >60% efficiency) variants feature patent-protected automated polarization control for long-term stability under varying environmental conditions.
• QKD Software Suite Software suite for entanglement-based key distribution providing real-time analysis, key management, and Quantum Bit Error Rate monitoring. Supports SKIP and ETSI QKD 014 protocols with up-to-the-second key-rate data, and can be tailored to specific customer requirements or academic research scenarios.
• Fiber Network QKD Solutions Customized Quantum Key Distribution solutions for fiber-based networks, supporting star-like, multi-user, and long-distance trusted-node architectures. Includes custom protocol options for integration with encryptors and existing telecom/IT infrastructure, sold to enterprise and telecom customers.
• QKD Satellite/Payload Systems QKD sub-systems and payloads engineered for satellite networks and constellations, enabling space-based quantum key distribution for global secure communications. Targeted at satellite operators and space-system integrators building quantum-secure global networks.

Quantifiable outcome

• Secure key rate >1,500 bits/s at 10 dB fiber loss
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• envia TELcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network operator and telecommunications service provider. Partnered with Quantum Optics Jena for the first-ever live demonstration in Germany of quantum cryptography with a quantum technology provider and a DE-CIX node working together.
• PIC-PAM Consortium (Six Partners from Thüringen Region)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-year European-backed project to integrate QKD functions onto a silicon chip. The consortium aims to develop a monolithic chip combining polarisation analysis, single-photon detection, and timing electronics into an SFP-like module. Co-financed by the European Union and approved by the state of Thüringen.
• DE-CIXminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternet exchange operator. Collaborated with Quantum Optics Jena and envia TEL for the first live demonstration of quantum cryptography in Germany, where QOJ's technology was connected to a DE-CIX node.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• MagiQ Technologies: US-based QKD vendor focused on government, defense, and critical infrastructure customers. Comparable target segments and product category, though with a primarily North American commercial footprint.
• KETS Quantum Security: UK startup building chip-integrated QKD systems. Highly comparable to QOJ's PIC-PAM roadmap and a credible competitor in the European chip-scale QKD race.
• SpeQtral: Singapore-based company developing space-based QKD systems and satellite payloads. Closely comparable to QOJ's satellite QKD payload offering and emerging as a regional competitor in APAC.

Direct peers

• LuxQuanta: Spanish startup offering CV-QKD systems for telecom operators and enterprises. A direct European peer competing for the same EU-funded QKD pilots and critical infrastructure deployments as Quantum Optics Jena.
• ID Quantique: Swiss-based pioneer and global leader in QKD systems and quantum-safe networking, offering entanglement- and prepare-and-measure-based QKD products to enterprises, governments, and telcos. Most direct competitor to Quantum Optics Jena's Elvis systems.
• QuintessenceLabs: Australian quantum cybersecurity company offering QKD and quantum random number generation products to governments and enterprises. Comparable product mix and enterprise/critical infrastructure GTM.
• QuantumCTek: China's leading commercial QKD vendor, operating the Beijing-Shanghai backbone and supplying QKD equipment to government, finance, and telecom customers. Comparable product portfolio (fiber QKD systems, key management) and similar target verticals.

Broad incumbents

• Toshiba (Cambridge Research Laboratory / Quantum Technology Division): Operates one of the most advanced QKD R&D programs globally and has deployed field QKD links with BT, Verizon, and other carriers. A broad incumbent whose QKD portfolio directly overlaps with QOJ's enterprise and telco use cases.
• Cisco (Outshift by Cisco): Cisco's Outshift incubation arm is investing in quantum networking and QKD infrastructure, positioning it as a broad incumbent that could integrate QKD into mainstream enterprise networking gear — a structural threat to specialist vendors like QOJ.

Others

• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF): Jena-based applied research institute with deep expertise in photonics and quantum optics. Both an investor (via FTTF) and a partner in the PIC-PAM consortium, Fraunhofer IOF is an enabling ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/quantum-optics-jena-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Quantum Optics Jena