June 18, 2026 -- The Quantum Communication Fieldlab Rotterdam (QCFR) was launched today at RDM Next in Rotterdam. The Fieldlab marks a transition from earlier pilots to the next phase of quantum-secure communication: testing, validation and operational application in real-world infrastructure settings. QCFR provides a collaborative environment where technologies, use cases and implementation models can be validated and prepared for adoption across critical and public infrastructure.

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.