Quantum News Briefs June 20: PQ Shield raises $37M in Series B funding •Germany launches its first hybrid quantum computer at Leibniz Supercomputing Centre • Quantum Xchange launches first VPN to combine AI-native networking with quantum safety • SK Telecom confirms name of “Quantum Alliance” for association representing quantum tech parts companies
News Briefs:
PQ Shield raises $37M in Series B funding
PQShield, a cybersecurity company specializing in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), has raised $37 million in Series B funding led by Addition, with participation from new investors Chevron Technology Ventures, Legal & General and Braavos Capital, together with existing backers, Oxford Science Enterprises according to June 20 news release.
PQShield will use the funding to expand its commercial operations as it continues to meet growing global demand for its quantum-ready cryptographic solutions for hardware, software and communications, as well as its research IP.
PQShield’s cryptographic solutions are already helping to facilitate the transition to quantum security throughout the global technology supply chain – for example, in the secure boot and update of devices, in the Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) that secure most financial transactions, in ever-more connected vehicles, and in military grade communications systems. Customers include AMD, Microchip Technologies, Collins Aerospace, Lattice Semiconductor, Sumitomo Electric, NTT Data, Mirise Technologies (Toyota / Denso R&D), and many others
Germany launches its first hybrid quantum computer at Leibniz Supercomputing Centre
In collaboration with the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Q-Exa consortium, led by IQM Quantum Computers (IQM), a global leader in building quantum computers, and including Eviden and HQS Quantum Simulation, has integrated a 20-qubit quantum computer into a supercomputer, SuperMUC-NG in Germany according to June 19 news release from IQM.
The 20-qubit quantum processor unit from IQM, based on superconducting circuits, has been combined with conventional computer technology.
Related: IQM the Diamond Sponsor of IQT Nordics/Helsinki 2024
Dr. Jan Goetz, Co-CEO and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers, said: “Q-Exa is the first milestone for the integration of quantum computers into high-performance computing. We are very proud of this joint achievement of the Q-Exa consortium, and we hope to be able to further optimise the next generation of our processors with these partners and thus enrich supercomputing and science.”Connected to each other, SuperMUC-NG and the quantum system are already exchanging orders on a trial basis, proving that the two technologies can work together and be linked even more closely. The hybrid system is now being prepared for everyday operation at the LRZ, and selected researchers will soon be able to access and experiment with it.
Quantum Xchange launches first VPN to combine AI-native networking with quantum safety
Quantum Xchange announced the general availability of version 4.0 of its quantum-safe key delivery platform Phio TX, featuring Phio VPN, the first Virtual Private Network (VPN) to combine AI-native networking with quantum-safe key management and delivery on June 18 in a press release.
The Phio VPN builds on the unique architecture, design principles, and patented technology of the company’s keystone deployment product Phio TX. The next-generation key delivery system and crypto-agile management platform supports all the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQCs) algorithms and can work with an organization’s existing router/VPN appliance and a quantum-key source (ORNG, PQC, QKD) to send a second, symmetric key out-of-band down a quantum-protected tunnel and mesh network independent of the data path.
In addition, the Phio VPN leverages AI-native networking for enhanced efficiency and performance. The Phio TX “Hive” uses artificial intelligence (AI) to continuously monitor itself and network conditions for errors or malicious activity impacting the health of the VPN. It then uses this collective intelligence to dynamically adjust and scale to resolve latency issues such as new or disconnected nodes, key routing, bandwidth, exchange configuration, and runtime data – ensuring optimal network performance at all times.
SK Telecom confirms name of “Quantum Alliance” for association representing quantum tech parts companies
SK Telecom announced on the 19th that it has confirmed the name of “Quantum Alliance,” an association established with technology and parts companies in the quantum field, and will release quantum cryptography chips as its first commercial product.
In March, SK Telecom formed an association with bilateral companies such as SoS Lab, X-Gate, Uriro, KCS, Nokia, and IDQ Korea to discover and market joint business opportunities. Upon confirming its official name, Xquantum unveiled its first commercial product, the next-generation quantum cryptography chip “Q-HSM.”
SK Telecom said it will also introduce hybrid products that integrate PQC technology and quantum key distribution (QKD) technology in the future.