Numana Expands Kirq Quantum-Safe Test Bed to Québec City

Insider Brief

• Numana has launched a new Québec City component of its Kirq quantum-safe test bed, enabling real-world testing of quantum-secure communications systems ahead of large-scale deployment.
• The Kirq test bed now forms a connected loop across Sherbrooke, Montréal, and Québec City, allowing companies and institutions to test quantum-safe technologies on live networks that mirror operational conditions.
• Hosted with Université Laval’s COPL and the National Optics Institute, the expansion supports Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and the planned migration to quantum-safe cryptography by 2035.

PRESS RELEASE — As quantum computing advances threaten the encryption that protects financial transactions, health data and the world’s critical communication networks, Numana is launching a new component of its innovative quantum-safe test bed, giving the world’s key industry players a secure location to test quantum-secure communications systems.

In the near future, quantum computers will be able to crack the codes needed to break into bank accounts, health profiles and every network we rely on almost instantly. Numana’s Kirq is Canada’s only quantum-safe tech test bed; it simulates a real-world environment to test quantum-secure technologies, identify vulnerabilities in existing networks and assess solutions before they are deployed at scale. The Québec City test bed is hosted at Université Laval’s Centre for Optics, Photonics and Lasers (COPL) and the National Optics Institute (INO) in Québec City, Canada’s largest centre of excellence in optics and photonics.

“Quantum computing will reshape cybersecurity,” said Bernard Duval, president and CEO of Numana. “Banks, health systems, governments and telecom providers operate in the digital economy. For years, digital encryption has protected us well – we don’t think twice about banking online. But we are in a race against time now for new encryption to be tested at Kirq and implemented before bad actors and state-sponsored hackers have quantum computing power. Kirq gives organizations a way to understand their vulnerabilities and make informed upgrade decisions before it’s too late. Canada is a leader on quantum. It’s critical that our nation lead on quantum-safe networks as well.”

While others operate around the world, Kirq is Canada’s only quantum test bed. With the launch of its Québec City location, Kirq operates in a complete loop from Sherbrooke, Montréal and Québec City, as well as sub-locations. Kirq is open to start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, large companies, academic institutions and international partners, with scalable access based on operational needs across sectors including financial services, health care, defence, telecommunications and critical infrastructure.

Some of the world’s biggest and most cutting-edge companies join forces with Numana at Kirq – like Toshiba, Nokia, Bell and Telus – alongside hundreds of other quantum experts.

The Kirq test bed allows quantum-secure communications tech to be tested on live networks that mirror real-world operating conditions, helping them assess integration with existing infrastructure and reducing risks associated with large-scale deployment.

At Université Laval, COPL will oversee the implementation and operation of the Québec City site, supporting testing, validation and technology demonstration activities using advanced photonics and quantum research infrastructure.

“This collaboration allows Université Laval to contribute directly to the development and testing of quantum cybersecurity technologies and to support their adoption by industry and public-sector partners,” said Eugénie Brouillet, vice-rector of research, creation and innovation at Université Laval.

The National Optics Institute (INO) will serve as a co-designer, host and technical facilitator of the infrastructure in Québec City, supporting the validation of quantum photonics technologies, including secure terrestrial and satellite communications.

“This test bed allows us to test how next-generation secure communications technologies work across real networks, including connections between ground-based and satellite systems,” said Alain Chandonnet, president and CEO of INO. “By validating these technologies with industry partners, we can help ensure they perform reliably and are ready for deployment as communications networks continue to evolve.”

The expansion of Kirq aligns with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and federal plans to migrate government IT systems to quantum-safe cryptography by 2035. It also supports broader efforts to position Canada as a global leader in the development and deployment of quantum technologies.

“Our government is committed to investing to ensure our SMEs remain competitive and innovative. Thanks to CED’s investment in regional quantum innovation, we are helping to position Québec’s SMEs and organizations and to strengthen Canada’s global leadership in this emerging field. The entire Canadian population, as well as our economy, will benefit from the success and spin-offs of creating test benches for the quantum communications network in Sherbrooke, Montréal and today in Québec! Congratulations to Mr. Duval and the entire Numana team on this achievement!” expressed a delighted Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions (CED).

Industry partners say the test bed will help translate that policy direction into real-world deployment.

“The Kirq test bed provides Québec with a unique platform to accelerate innovation in quantum communications, and Nokia is proud to contribute to this effort.” said Nokia Canada CEO Jeffrey Maddox. “Through our leading optical, IP, and critical connectivity technologies, we are helping researchers and industry partners test solutions that will prepare the transition toward reliable and sovereign quantum-ready infrastructure. Combined with Numana’s presence in the region and the expertise of the COPL and INO, this initiative reinforces Québec’s role as a strategic hub in the quantum domain. It is an investment in security, performance, and the technological future of the country.”