QSA Technology develops photonic chips that provide strong, hardware-based authentication for secure communication networks. Each chip contains a unique physical structure, impossible to clone or reproduce. When a light signal passes through, it creates a distinct optical pattern—a ‘fingerprint’—that can be used to verify identity with high confidence. This technology does not rely on passwords or stored keys, making it resilient to both classical and quantum-based attacks. Our solutions are designed for industries that need reliable authentication at scale, such as telecommunications, free-space optics, and critical infrastructure.
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Applications
Telecommunications
As global communication networks prepare for quantum resilience, QSA offers a critical hardware-based solution for verifying devices and endpoints in optical networks. Our technology integrates seamlessly into existing telecom infrastructure and enhances identity control within QKD-enabled systems.
Free-Space and Optical Wireless Communications
QSA technology enables authentication between devices in free-space optical networks—ideal for high-speed, line-of-sight communication such as between drones, high-altitude platforms, or urban towers. Our chips offer secure authentication without requiring physical links like fiber.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Networks
QKD provides secure key exchange, but classical authentication remains a weak link. QSA fills this gap by verifying the identity of communicating parties using physical photonic fingerprints—making QKD systems more robust and less vulnerable to spoofing attacks.
Advanced Industries and Automotive
In automotive or industrial systems, QSA can be embedded at the chip level to secure internal communications and prevent counterfeiting or tampering. This is particularly relevant for connected vehicles (V2X), industrial IoT systems, and safety-critical environments
Our Technology
At the heart of our solution is a silicon nitride photonic chip containing a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF). This microscopic structure is formed by natural variations during fabrication, and cannot be copied—even by the manufacturer.
When light passes through the PUF, it generates a complex optical interference pattern. This pattern functions as a ‘fingerprint’ that can be measured and verified. It cannot be predicted, stored, or simulated—making it ideal for secure identity verification.
Our Ecosystem & Core Partners
QSA Technology is a spin-out from the University of Twente’s QUANT Center, one of the Netherlands’ leading quantum optics research hubs. The original photonic fingerprint chip was developed in the research group of Professor Pepijn Pinkse, who now serves as our Chief Scientific Officer. The university remains an essential partner for ongoing validation, scientific development, and talent access.
Saxion plays a key role in applied research and testing. Together with the University of Twente, we are building a pilot quantum-secure network between institutions in the region. Saxion provides practical integration expertise and experimental infrastructure, especially in the areas of network technology and security testing.
As a global leader in photonic chip design and manufacturing, LioniX is our preferred foundry partner for silicon nitride-based chip fabrication. Our collaboration ensures high-quality, scalable, and industrially viable production of the QSA photonic fingerprint chips.
Partner With Us
At QSA Technology, we’re pioneering the future of quantum-secure communication. To ensure our solutions meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and real-world applicability, we are actively seeking visionary partners to join us on this journey.
We collaborate with industry leaders, researchers, and infrastructure providers to validate, refine, and scale our cutting-edge photonic-based quantum security technology.
Feasibility Projects
Explore Real-World Applications Together
We offer targeted pilot programs that allow organizations to integrate and test our quantum security solutions in live environments. These feasibility projects are ideal for companies in:
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Telecommunications
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Satellite communications
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Cloud infrastructure
Together, we can assess integration pathways, verify performance metrics, and ensure that quantum security can be delivered at scale.
R&D Sponsorship
Support Innovation at the Frontier of Quantum Security
QSA partners with world-class research institutions to co-develop the next generation of scalable quantum technologies. Organizations can directly sponsor research efforts and become integral to the scientific and engineering progress that drives our mission.
Ideal for:
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Innovation-focused enterprises
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Government and defense organizations
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Academic and corporate research labs
Strategic Collaboration
Co-Shape the Future of Quantum Security
We believe that long-term partnerships build the strongest foundations. QSA welcomes strategic collaborations with:
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Equipment manufacturers
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Infrastructure providers
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Enterprise end-users with high security requirements
By working closely with our team from an early stage, you can help steer our product roadmap, validate performance in your specific environment, and co-develop tailored solutions.
The Team
To Be Announced
Chief Executive Officer
Deep tech business leader with experience at IBM and Accenture. Responsible for commercial strategy and scaling.
Naomi Braam
Chief Commercial Officer
Specialist in startup development and high-tech partnerships. Focused on business development and investor relations.
Prof. Pepijn Pinkse
Chief Scientific Officer
Professor of Adaptive Quantum Optics at the University of Twente. Scientific lead and inventor of the QSA core technology.
Daan Stellinga
Chief Technology Officer
Currently recruiting a technical leader to oversee product development and systems integration.