York, 23 October 2024
Ten years of groundbreaking contributions to securing digital data transfers are being celebrated by the University of York-led Quantum Communications Hub.
The creation of an unhackable UK quantum-secured network is now possible thanks to Hub success developing working testbeds around Bristol and Cambridge, connected via London.
Quantum-secured communications will protect data from growing threats to existing encryption protocols.
Hub director Professor Tim Spiller said: “We have achieved all our technology development objectives during the 10 years against a clear vision. Our work can now crystallise into commercial value and widespread use.
In particular, there is an opportunity to grow the initial quantum-secured communications networks, using standard fibreoptic cabling, to support both commercial applications and also the next steps towards a quantum internet.”
Hub achievements include:
· Creating the first UK quantum networks: Flagship testbeds for quantum key distribution (QKD), a mature quantum technology enabling ultra-secure distribution of encryption keys.
· Developing hybrid networking architectures: Facilitating the seamless integration of quantum and classical communications infrastructure.
· Pioneering space quantum communications: Creating strategic capabilities for secure communications via satellite over all distances.
· Developing a handheld QKD system. A miniaturised, low-cost prototype that could open a market for secure transfer using mobile devices.
· Advancing chip-based QKD technologies: Enabling scalable, energy-efficient quantum secure solutions for mass-market deployment.
· Leading in the creation of industry standards: Contributing to the development of certification processes and integration of post-quantum cryptography with QKD technologies.
· Fostering the next generation of quantum technologists: Delivering skills and training programmes, and public outreach needed to maximise opportunities and understanding.
Since its creation in 2014, the Hub has led projects to develop quantum science, which explains and explores matter and energy at the fundamental level, into communications technologies with commercial uses.
This has united in collaboration 12 universities, the National Physical Laboratory, RAL Space, and over 30 industry partners, including Toshiba Europe and BT. The Hub has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, through the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.
Andrew Lord, BT Senior Manager, Optics and Quantum Research, said:
“We couldn’t have been even close to the position we are in today on quantum without the close interaction with the Quantum Communications Hub and the associated support from Innovate UK. The access to world-class research has unlocked the power of quantum for us and I am excited to see how we now start to commercialise it.”
Steve Greenland, Managing Director of Craft Prospect said:
“The Quantum Communications Hub has been a fantastic resource for us to engage with in our start-up and scale-up journey, allowing our whole team from graduate through to myself to upskill in this strategically important area and contribute our own expertise in space systems.
Dr Andrew Shields, Vice President, Toshiba Europe Ltd., said:
“Our association with the Quantum Communications Hub has been very valuable, allowing us to establish important collaborations with several academic and industrial groups in the UK. It also provided a springboard for Innovate UK projects which have further strengthened these linkages.
“We appreciate the great work they have done in fostering new quantum technologies and training the next generation of researchers that will drive its industrial take up in the future.”
A Quantum Communications Hub 10-year legacy report describing progress across its many technology themes is being published today.
Note to editors: The UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) was launched in 2014 with an initial £270M investment, later exceeding £1B, aimed at translating quantum research into commercial applications. The programme established four quantum technology Hubs focused on sensors/timing, imaging, computing, and secure communications. In 2023, the UK government committed an additional £2.5B to the NQTP for the next decade, outlining five strategic quantum missions, including advanced quantum networks and innovative sensing devices. This funding also supports the creation of five new quantum technology Hubs to tackle emerging R&D challenges, solidifying UK global leadership in quantum technologies.
