Innovation Fund Denmark is investing DKK 25.9 million in a new quantum technology project designed to develop world-leading technology in future-proof data protection. The goal is a scalable, market-ready system that can be integrated directly into the existing telecommunications network and protect critical digital infrastructure against future cyberattacks.
Within a few years, the first quantum computers are expected to be able to break the encryption methods that currently protect everything from health data to financial transactions. With the AccessQKD project, Denmark is taking a big step towards future-proof cybersecurity by developing a quantum-based key distribution system, based on continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD), that will protect data at a level where no future computer can break the security.
From research to concrete technology
With support from Innovation Fund Denmark, AccessQKD will develop and demonstrate a cost-effective and scalable CV-QKD system that can be integrated directly into the existing fibre infrastructure that forms part of our telecommunications network. The project builds on Danish-developed technology from the earlier CryptQ project, where a prototype was tested in collaboration with Energinet and Danske Bank. With the new investment, the system’s reach will be increased, performance improved, components simplified, and software optimized for large-scale application. The finished CV-QKD system is expected to be ready for commercial sale shortly after the project’s completion.
“With AccessQKD, we hold the key to protecting our digital infrastructure against future threats. The project marks a decisive step from research to a market-ready product and supports Denmark’s ambition to become a leader in quantum-secure technology.”
Adnan Hajomer, Project Manager at DTU Physics
A broad partnership behind the Danish solution
AccessQKD brings together six partners: DTU and Aarhus University, the spinout companies Celare Quantum Communications and Partisia, the large-scale fibre infrastructure provider GlobalConnect, and the Polytechnic University of Bari in Italy. Together they are developing and testing a quantum-secure technology to be integrated into existing telecommunications networks, with the goal of a robust, scalable, and market-ready communication solution that can withstand future cyber threats.
- DTU Physics. The Quantum Physics and Information Technology research group is a leader in quantum information science, with particular expertise in quantum encryption and quantum randomness generators. In AccessQKD, DTU focuses on research and development of advanced hardware for CV-QKD systems.
- Celare Quantum Communications. A spinout from DTU and a pioneer in commercializing quantum-secure communication systems. In AccessQKD, CQC is responsible for producing and market-maturing the first secure, cost-effective CV-QKD module in 19-inch rack format.
- The Polytechnic University of Bari. Professor Cosmo Lupo’s research group contributes expertise in quantum information security, and will develop security proofs for CV-QKD protocols with discrete modulation.
- GlobalConnect. A leading provider of fibre-based data communication solutions in Northern Europe, GlobalConnect will test the interoperability between the CV-QKD system and existing cybersecurity products.
- Partisia. A spin-off from Aarhus University and a global pioneer in Multi-Party Computation (MPC). In AccessQKD, Partisia will develop and test an advanced key management system based on MPC.
- Aarhus University. AU leads the work on the architecture and design of the key management system, investigating how classical security protocols can be transformed to achieve the level of security that quantum encryption enables.
Project facts
- Innovation Fund Denmark’s investment: DKK 25.9 million
- Total budget: DKK 33.3 million
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Official title: AccessQKD: Towards a Scalable Production Quantum Communication Infrastructure – A Danish Quantum Key Distribution Solution for Access Networks
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