QSA Technology, based in Enschede, has received early-stage funding from Overijssel to further develop its photonic chip for quantum-secure authentication. QSA Technology’s chips are used to better secure critical communications infrastructure, with applications in fibre optic networks, mobile networks and satellite communications.
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Quantum computers can perform calculations that ordinary computers cannot handle. This opens up new possibilities for innovation. At the same time, it puts pressure on current cybersecurity, as these computers can also be used to crack passwords or detect vulnerabilities, for example. QSA’s photonic solution makes it possible to reliably verify communications thanks to unique light patterns that cannot be copied.
‘We are developing a photonic chip that uses the unique properties of light to enable secure authentication,’ explains Naomi Braam, CEO of QSA Technology. ‘When light pulses pass through the chip, they generate a unique, quantum-secure pattern that acts as a kind of fingerprint. This fingerprint can then be used for authentication.’
Investment in technical validation
To further develop their product, QSA applied for Early Stage Financing Overijssel. ‘The financing enables us to work on the technical validation of the chip. In addition, we can start pilots, build strategic partnerships and invest in the further development of the team,’ explains Braam.
Oost NL supported QSA in setting up a private limited company based on four patents and in building the founding team. This was done in close collaboration with the Knowledge Transfer Office and the Strategic Business Development department of the University of Twente, Quantum Nanotechnology Twente (led by Professor Pepijn Pinkse) and Novel-T. Ultimately, this resulted in an investment-ready proposition and the application for early-stage financing.
Robin Tjassens, Tech Investment Manager at Oost NL, says: ‘QSA’s proposition is a great example of collaboration within the ecosystem to support entrepreneurs. In this case, from the establishment to the initial financing. With the chips it has developed, QSA has an important link in its hands for the cybersecurity of the future.’
Strengthening the photonics and quantum technology ecosystem
The early-stage funding for QSA Technology will further strengthen the photonics and quantum ecosystems in the eastern Netherlands. In the Twente region, companies and knowledge institutions are working together on the further development of these key technologies, which can thus continue to grow from research to concrete applications.
Source: Oost NL
Image: Prof. Pepijn Pinkse, photo by Fokke Eenhoorn
