Welinq Sells First Entangled Photon Pair Source For Quantum Networks

Startup expands commercial quantum networking portfolio with photonic hardware sale

Paris-based quantum networking startup Welinq sold and delivered its first rack-mounted entangled photon pair source. The sale marks the commercial availability of a key photonic component for quantum networking systems.

The company said it delivered the unit to a leading European institution. The product generates entangled photon pairs for use in quantum-safe communications and quantum computer interconnects.

Welinq said the system supports narrowband emission with linewidths between two and 20 MHz, enabling compatibility with atomic-based quantum technologies. It produces dual-wavelength output, with one photon in the telecom C-band for fiber transmission and the other at a visible wavelength optimized for coupling with atomic systems.

The system fits into a 19-inch rackmount form factor and operates continuously at room temperature, enabling integration into existing fiber and data center environments.

The launch follows the company’s recent commercial delivery of its QDrive quantum memory, positioning Welinq as a supplier of multiple interoperable components for on-premises quantum networking deployments.

“Together with our recently sold quantum memory, this first sale of our photonic source confirms that the market is maturing faster than expected,” Welinq CEO Tom Darras explained. “When we founded the company four years ago, we did not anticipate commercializing hardware components so soon. This photonic technology is already central to collaborations with quantum computer providers, research institutes, and early corporate adopters, accelerating the development of QPU networks.”

Welinq said the source integrates with its quantum memory systems and broader software stack, supporting what it describes as end-to-end quantum networking infrastructure.