3 weeks ago
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Finnish multinational telecom company Nokia Corporation and US-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies have partnered with Canadian non-profit Numana to drive the development of quantum-safe networks.
The collaboration will use Numana’s Kirq Quantum Communication Testbed in Montreal, Quebec, to test and validate quantum-secure technologies. This initiative addresses the growing need for secure digital infrastructure in North America and globally, focusing on mitigating quantum security threats.
The partnership involves contributions from Nokia, Honeywell, and other ecosystem partners. Nokia will provide expertise in post-quantum networking, including advanced IP routers and optical transport nodes. Moreover, Honeywell will deliver quantum-secure encryption keys for space-to-terrestrial communication.
Francois Borrelli, interim CEO at Numana, emphasised that the testbed will enable enterprises, researchers, and government agencies to explore and validate secure networking technologies in real-world conditions.
The Kirq facility will also serve as a hub for education, ecosystem development, and research. Workshops and training sessions are planned to build awareness and skills in quantum-safe technologies.
Lisa Napolitano, VP and GM of space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, highlighted the importance of securing satellite networks. “Our quantum encryption technology will play a critical role in improving the integrity of data transmitted from space to Earth.” The initiative aligns with commitments by Quebec and Canada to lead in cybersecurity and quantum innovation.
By fostering collaboration among industry leaders, academia, and government agencies, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum-safe solutions while preparing organisations for the challenges of the Quantum 2.0 era.
Collaborative research projects will focus on innovative solutions for secure network connectivity. “This partnership is a step toward creating a quantum-secure economy,” said Jeffrey Maddox, president of Nokia Canada.
India has also been working towards secure satellite-to-ground quantum communication, which was explained to AIM by Urbasi Sinha, professor at the Raman Research Institute, in an interview about her research.
For the country, secure quantum technology isn’t just an aspiration, it’s a national mission. Led by Ajai Chowdhry, the co-founder of HCL and the founder of EPIC Foundation, India’s National Quantum Mission places quantum at the forefront of the country’s strategic priorities.
