Innovation Fund Denmark is investing DKK 25.9 million in a new groundbreaking 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 (CV-QKD) that will protect data at a level where no future computer can break the security.
With support from Innovations Fonden (Innovation Fund Denmark), AccessQKD will develop and demonstrate a cost-effective and scalable CV-QKD system that can be integrated directly into existing fiber infrastructure as part of our telecommunications network. The project builds on the Danish-developed technology from the previous 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
AccessQKD brings together six strong partners: DTU and Aarhus University, the spinout companies Celare Quantum Communications and Partisia, the large-scale fiber infrastructure provider GlobalConnect, and the Italian Polytechnic University of Bari. Together, they are developing and testing a quantum-secure technology that will be integrated into existing telecommunication networks – with the goal of a robust, scalable, and market-ready communication solution that can withstand future cyber threats.
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 cryptography
Further information
Contact: Adnan A. E. Hajomer, Project Leader Department of Physics, DTU aaeha@dtu.dk
DTU Physics The Quantum Physics and Information Technology (QPIT) research group at DTU 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 ApS CQC is a spinout from DTU and a pioneer in the commercialization of quantum-secure communication systems. In AccessQKD, CQC is responsible for the production and market maturation of the first secure and cost-effective CV-QKD module in 19" rack format, positioning the company as the first on the market for quantum-based cybersecurity.
The Polytechnic University of Bari Prof. Cosmo Lupo's research group at PUB contributes expertise in quantum information security. The group will develop security proofs for CV-QKD protocols with discrete modulation, which is expected to lead to new fundamental research and further development through publications and partnerships.
GlobalConnect As a leading provider of fiber-based data communication solutions in Northern Europe, GlobalConnect will test the interoperability between the CV-QKD system and existing cybersecurity products. This will enable GlobalConnect to position itself as a pioneer in integrating quantum technology into telecommunication networks.
Partisia Applications ApS Partisia, a spin-off from Aarhus University, is a global leader in Multiparty Computation (MPC). In AccessQKD, Partisia will develop and test an advanced key management system based on MPC, which opens up new business opportunities and strengthens the company's technology platform.
Aarhus University AU leads the work on the architecture and design of the key management system. The university will investigate how classical security protocols can be transformed to achieve the informational security that quantum encryption enables.