LuxQuanta, a company specializing in digital security based on quantum technologies, has been recognized with the main prize of the Supernova All-Stars Pitch Competition during the GITEX EUROPE 2025 technology fair, recently held in Berlin.
The award, which was initially submitted by 750 European startups , recognizes LuxQuanta's innovative proposal to bring Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to real telecommunications infrastructure using Continuous Variable QKD (CV-QKD) technology. This solution allows the implementation of advanced encryption systems without the need to completely change existing networks, placing the company at the forefront of digital security in the quantum era.
LuxQuanta actively participates in the Industrial Doctorate Plan, currently promoting two joint projects with the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). One of the projects focuses on quantum distribution of cryptographic keys over long communication distances, while the other investigates photonic integration for CV-QKD systems on a chip. These initiatives are essential to accelerate innovation, attract specialized talent and consolidate LuxQuanta's position in the global market.
This international recognition for LuxQuanta clearly exemplifies the success that companies can achieve by committing to collaborative R&D&I projects with Catalan universities and research centers. These projects contribute decisively to the direct application of advanced knowledge and the development of technological products with great potential for economic and social impact.
Vanesa Díaz, during the presentation of the GITEX jury, added that “this award validates four years of intense efforts and highlights our innovative capacity to guarantee cybersecurity in the digital field, reinforcing us as a reliable company in an emerging and highly competitive sector”. The CEO of LuxQuanta, Vanesa Díaz, herself, of, the vital importance of this collaboration: “ The industrial doctorate is key to attracting talent and accelerating innovation in quantum technologies ”. According to Díaz, these projects are fundamental for LuxQuanta to “ ensure scarce quantum talent and consolidate its path to leadership in the global market ”.
In the aforementioned interview, the CEO explained how industrial PhD students bring direct and tangible value: “ We have been lucky enough to incorporate two employees, Pol and Eli, who are currently doing their industrial PhDs […] Pol has been with us for two years working with technology that we already commercialize […] optimizing the hardware. Eli […] works on the next generation of technology, in which all the optical components are concentrated on a photonic chip. Both of them bring a very powerful capacity: highly prepared professionals who can delve into specific topics […] thus helping us achieve our research and development objectives with great quality and speed .”
This direct involvement with the DI Plan demonstrates how doctoral training in a business environment not only benefits researchers, offering them applied insight and professional experience, but also responds to the critical needs of cutting-edge technology companies. The development of technologies as sophisticated as QKD requires a constant flow of talent with innovation capacity, critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills; skills that are intensively cultivated during an industrial doctorate.
The Industrial Doctorates Plan will continue to promote projects that, like this one, contribute to transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions that strengthen Catalonia's technological leadership.
