EvolutionQ Awarded Contribution From Canada Space Agency for Quantum Key Distribution Network Research and Development
EvolutionQ was awarded a Space Technology Development Program (STDP) contribution by the CSA to develop solutions to advance satellite-based secure quantum communication services and tools to address challenges related to satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks.
Cryptography underpins the secure communications required for the digital, network-based social and financial interactions that are at the heart of modern society and the economy, including banking, the sharing of confidential healthcare data, and the exchange of sensitive information between governmental institutions. However, rapid advancements in quantum computing threaten current encryption methods because quantum computers, when built, will be able to break commonly used cybersecurity systems. It is important to develop tools, like QKD, that will be resistant to such quantum threats.
QKD technologies leverage the fundamental laws of quantum physics to distribute confidential cryptographic keys between two users, while detecting the attempts of malicious third-parties to intercept such keys. Unfortunately, typical terrestrial methods to establish such direct secure connection between locations are limited to relatively short distances, of the order of at most 200 km. This is clearly a challenge for a country as vast as Canada.
Satellite-based QKD will enable secure, reliable, and economical key-sharing across Canada.
“A powerful quantum computer has the power to decimate today’s cryptography. As key quantum computing milestones are achieved, the need for quantum-safe solutions intensifies,” said Michele Mosca, President and CEO of evolutionQ. “Robeust cryptography is absolutely necessary for our safety and the proper functioning of our digital economy. We must adopt quantum-safe solutions to secure and safeguard our critical infrastructures, financial services and intellectual property.”
“Quantum Key Distribution is an important tool in addressing the quantum threat. QKD uses the fundamental laws of physics to protect information shared between two parties.” CTO of evolutionQ,” Norbert Lütkenhaus said. “Satellite-based QKD is essential for a vast country like Canada and will help secure communications from coast to coast. evolutionQ is poised to utilize its expertise and develop solutions to help establish satellite QKD, and to integrate it with existing terrestrial solutions.”
evolutionQ will develop tools to address the challenges unique to satellite-based QKD. This will be accomplished by modelling the role and performance of QKD satellites, and by designing optimization algorithms to integrate QKD satellites with terrestrial networks. The software solutions will be designed to be integrated with existing and planned satellite hardware. The project is expected to last 24 months.
The initiative will also help Canada safeguard sovereignty in the quantum age and strengthen Canadian leadership in the space and quantum sectors. The initiative aligns with the new Space Strategy for Canada, the safety and security principle in Canada’s Digital Charter and the Government of Canada’s Innovations and Skills Plan.
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Matt Swayne
With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses.
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MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE
evolutionQ
evolutionQ is a cybersecurity firm founded in 2015 that provides quantum-safe software and risk management strategies to defend infrastructure against emerging quantum computer threats. Its aerospace relevance involves securing critical satellite communication networks, evolutionQ having received funding from the Canadian Space Agency to advance satellite based secure quantum key distribution technologies.
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Government of Canada
The Government of Canada, established on January 1, 1867, and headquartered in Ottawa, is a significant governing body with the DUNS number 241015486 and holds a recognized position as an investor. The government owns numerous subsidiaries and establishments spanning various sectors, including the Royal Canadian Mint, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian National Railway, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, Business Development Bank of Canada, and Health Canada. The Government of Canada played a role in establishing entities like Canadian National Railway and Crown Assets Distribution. Additionally, it possesses valuable infrastructures such as Canada House, Stornoway residence, the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council, and Major-General George R Pearkes Building.
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