BTQ And ID Quantique Sign MOU to Develop Authentication Systems

Insider Brief

• BTQ Technologies Corp. and ID Quantique have signed an MOU for joint research and development of an authentication system combining Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
• ID Quantique is a leader in quantum cryptography, providing industry-leading QRNGs and advanced technologies like QKD and SNSPD, while BTQ’s PQC quantum signature algorithm Preon is recognized by NIST for its strong resistance to quantum threats.
• This partnership aims to pioneer a new market for authentication systems based on QRNG and PQC, enhancing cybersecurity and addressing future security challenges.

PRESS RELEASE — BTQ Technologies Corp., a global quantum technology company focused on securing mission-critical networks, is pleased to announce that on Friday, July 19, 2024, BTQ and ID Quantique (IDQ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for joint research, development, and mutual cooperation to create an innovative authentication system combining Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

IDQ is a leading company in the field of quantum cryptography and was the first in the world to commercialize quantum random number generators. Currently, it supplies industry-leading QRNGs to various sectors, including the Samsung Galaxy Quantum phone. Besides quantum random number generators, IDQ also showcases outstanding technology in QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) and SNSPD (Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors).

BTQ, a Canadian-listed company, developed the PQC quantum signature algorithm Preon, which was selected in the most recent round of the PQC standardization process by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on July 27, 2023. Preon, based on zk-SNARK, is a robust and efficient post-quantum signature scheme characterized by a small key size, fast key generation, minimal assumptions, and flexible functionality. These features provide strong resistance to potential threats from both classical and quantum computers.

Through this agreement, the two companies expect to pioneer a new authentication system market based on QRNG and PQC quantum technologies.

Regarding this agreement, IDQ Korea General Manager, Sangyun Uhm stated that IDQ has set the standard for next-generation security in the post-quantum era through its QRNG technology. He emphasized that through collaboration with BTQ, IDQ aims to develop even stronger authentication systems and bring innovation to the cybersecurity landscape.

Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of BTQ, added: “Partnering with ID Quantique represents a significant milestone for BTQ. By combining our expertise in post-quantum cryptography with IDQ’s leadership in quantum random number generation, we are poised to create state-of-the-art authentication systems that address the security challenges of both today and tomorrow. This collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneering advancements in cybersecurity and ensuring the robustness of mission-critical networks in the quantum era.”