What Zerothird does

Zerothird (legal entity: zerothird GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, Austria; formerly Quantum Industries GmbH until the April 2025 rebrand) develops and commercializes entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution (eQKD) systems built on the BBM92 protocol. The technology generates identical cryptographic keys at both endpoints by distributing entangled photons, so any eavesdropping attempt is revealed through correlated measurements. The product stack comprises a core Quantum Key Distribution system, Key-as-a-Service (KaaS) managed delivery, and product modules for metro (10–50 km), long-distance (up to 350 km without trusted nodes, bridging up to 60 dB loss via SNSPDs), and fully connected multi-user networks using wavelength-division multiplexing (up to 100 wavelength channels). Supporting offerings include Quantum Lab Equipment (polarization-entangled photon pair sources, polarization analysis modules) and Compliance and Risk Management Consulting. Underlying technical components include proprietary entangled photon sources and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), giving the company a vertically integrated photonics stack.

The company sells to financial institutions, government and public-sector bodies, and critical infrastructure operators (energy, rail, telecoms, broadcasting) — segments where 'harvest now, decrypt later' risk and regulatory pressure for quantum-safe cryptography are most acute. Named deployments include Erste Group (first European banking group to integrate entanglement-based QKD, with A1 Telekom Austria across Vienna banking datacenters), the Austrian Parliament, ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation), ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways), and A1 Telekom Austria. Revenue mechanics span hardware sales, recurring KaaS managed services, and technology licensing, with multi-year custom enterprise contracts and no public pricing. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales — direct engagement with large organizations, anchored by reference customers and technical integration partners such as NTS — supplemented by thought-leadership events (Quantensprung, QUANTUM-SECURE NOW, Open House Week) and partner-driven outreach (e.g., Cisco Partner Day).

The company is venture-backed at Seed+ stage (March 2026 round led by VERBUND X Ventures with Sparring Capital Partners and KGAL, plus existing investors and public support from Austria's aws agency), and is led by co-founders Felix Tiefenbacher (CEO) and Rupert Ursin (CEO), both originating from the Anton Zeilinger quantum optics group at IQOQI Vienna (Nobel Prize in Physics, 2022). Operations are concentrated in Austria with a DACH expansion posture and a sister-company relationship with qtlabs for adjacent quantum technology capabilities.

Name

Zerothird

Legal name

zerothird GmbH

Website

https://zerothird.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Zerothird (Vienna) builds entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution systems and Key-as-a-Service for financial institutions, governments, and critical infrastructure operators in the DACH region, using BBM92 protocol and proprietary SNSPD detector technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Quantum Cryptography Hardware

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518210)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems & Networks (HDAGAFAA), Quantum Repeaters & Entanglement Distribution (HDAGAFAB), Quantum Standards, Compliance & Policy Advisory (HDAGALAK)

Keywords

• Quantum key distribution
• Entanglement cryptography
• Quantum secure networking
• Critical infrastructure security
• Photon detection systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Quantum Hardware Sales: Sale of quantum cryptography hardware including entangled photon sources, single-photon detection systems, and quantum network equipment.
2. Key-as-a-Service (KaaS): Quantum Key Distribution as a Service (KaaS) providing ongoing quantum-secure communication services with managed infrastructure, monitoring, and maintenance.
3. Technology Licensing:

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Zerothird develops and commercializes entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution (eQKD) systems based on the BBM92 protocol, providing quantum-secure communication networks for enterprises, governments, and critical infrastructure operators. Its portfolio spans hardware (entangled photon sources, SNSPD detectors, lab equipment), networking products (Metro eQKD, Long Distance eQKD, Fully Connected Network/eQKDnet), and a managed Key-as-a-Service (KaaS) delivery model, complemented by quantum compliance and risk management consulting.

Product overview

Zerothird offers a unified platform of quantum security products designed to protect critical infrastructure from quantum and classical threats. The core portfolio consists of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems and Key-as-a-Service (KaaS) as the primary offerings, supplemented by specialized product modules including Metro eQKD for metropolitan networks, Long Distance eQKD for intercity connections up to 350km, and Fully Connected Network (eQKDnet) for multi-user quantum networks. Additional offerings include Quantum Lab Equipment for research institutions and Compliance and Risk Management Consulting services. All products are powered by proprietary entangled photon sources and detector systems engineered for deployment across enterprise and infrastructure networks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Key-as-a-Service (KaaS) Enterprise-grade quantum keys delivered as a managed service, shifting QKD cost from CapEx to OpEx. Keys are derived from entangled photons distributed from a secure source and can be integrated into existing encryption devices and key management systems. Targeted at enterprises and critical infrastructure operators that want quantum-grade key material without operating the underlying hardware themselves.
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) High-speed, long-distance quantum encryption designed for enterprise and critical infrastructure. An entanglement-based QKD system using proprietary photon sources and detector systems for quantum-grade protection against both classical and quantum attacks.
• Metro eQKD High key rate quantum key distribution for metropolitan connections within cities (10-50 km distances). Connects critical locations such as data centers and backups, supporting multiple stakeholders with ultra-secure quantum links.
• Long Distance eQKD Intercity quantum key distribution supporting distances up to 350 km without intermediate trusted nodes. Uses source-in-the-middle configuration and SNSPD technology to bridge up to 60 dB loss.
• Fully Connected Network (eQKDnet) Multi-user quantum network enabling many users to exchange quantum-secure keys simultaneously within a defined area. Uses star topology with wavelength-division multiplexing supporting up to 100 wavelength channels.
• Quantum Lab Equipment Precision photon sources and additional lab equipment engineered for advanced quantum research and testing. Includes polarization-entangled photon pair sources, polarization analysis modules, and high-rate entangled photon sources for telecom wavelengths, targeted at quantum research institutions.
• Compliance and Risk Management Consulting Consulting service for quantum compliance and risk management. Assesses existing infrastructure, identifies quantum vulnerabilities, and provides actionable roadmaps for quantum-safe practices for organizations adopting quantum-secure communications.

Quantifiable outcome

• First European banking group (Erste Group) to integrate entanglement-based QKD into production systems
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

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

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and supporting.

• Erste GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst European banking group to deploy entanglement-based QKD in a production pilot project. Zerothird worked closely with Erste Group to integrate quantum-secure communication for banking operations.
• A1 Telekom Austria AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading Austrian telecommunications provider conducting pilot projects with Zerothird for quantum-secure communication infrastructure integration.
• NTSsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTechnical integration partner supporting deployment and integration of Zerothird's quantum communication systems with existing customer infrastructure.
• ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian Federal Railways working with Zerothird to implement quantum-secure communication for critical rail infrastructure protection.
• ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian national broadcaster deploying Zerothird's quantum-secure communication for protection of critical national media operations.
• Austrian ParliamentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian Parliament implementing quantum-secure communication for sensitive governmental communications and legislative processes.
• CiscosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic technology company hosting joint events such as quantum computing discussions, providing access to enterprise customers and market visibility.
• qtlabssupportingTechnology or IntegrationSister company providing related quantum technology capabilities, potentially enabling complementary product offerings and shared research and development.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Broad incumbents

• Cisco: Global networking incumbent that already partners with Zerothird on joint events and is actively building quantum networking capabilities. A potential channel partner today and a broad incumbent competitor in classical/post-quantum secure networking over the medium term.
• IBM Quantum: Large incumbent offering quantum-safe cryptography services, quantum networks research, and lattice-based cryptography products. Drives industry timelines and standards, indirectly shaping demand for QKD vendors like Zerothird.
• Thales: Global defense and security incumbent with significant post-quantum cryptography and HSM offerings. Competes in adjacent layers of the quantum-safe security stack (key management, PQC algorithms) that bracket Zerothird's QKD layer.
• SK Telecom Quantum Team: South Korean carrier-led quantum initiative that has commercialized QKD via ID Quantique partnerships and rolled out quantum-safe networks for financial and government customers. Comparable as a telecom-backed, network-scale QKD operator competing in adjacent geographies.

Direct peers

• QuintessenceLabs: Australia-based quantum-safe cybersecurity company offering quantum random number generation and key management, with QKD partnerships. Comparable as a non-telecom-incumbent pure-play quantum security vendor targeting enterprise and government.
• ID Quantique: Swiss-based pioneer and global leader in QKD and quantum-safe cryptography, offering hardware and KaaS-style managed quantum key services. Closest direct competitor to Zerothird across financial, government, and critical-infrastructure customers in Europe.
• MagiQ Technologies: US-based early commercial QKD vendor offering QKD systems for secure communication. Comparable as a smaller, specialist QKD hardware vendor competing for similar enterprise and government use cases.
• QuantumCTek: Chinese QKD systems vendor operating one of the world's largest commercial QKD networks (e.g., Beijing-Shanghai backbone). Competes globally in the same hardware-and-network category, particularly for government and critical-infrastructure deployments.
• Toshiba (Toshiba Europe / Toshiba Cambridge Research Lab): Long-standing QKD developer with deployed long-distance QKD networks and active partnerships with European telecoms. Competes head-to-head with Zerothird on entanglement-based and T12/QKD systems for telecom and enterprise customers.

Emerging players

• LuxQuanta: Spanish/Catalan startup building CV-QKD systems for telecom operators. An emerging European QKD peer focused on continuous-variable QKD rather than Zerothird's entanglement-based approach, addressing the same European enterprise and carrier market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zerothird

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Zerothird