A collaboration aimed to ensure the highest level of security for data transmission both in the civil and defence sectors.
Challenge
Technological development and innovations benefit everyone’s quality of life. However, as technologies advance, so does the scope of possible wrongdoings. Thus, cybersecurity becomes a worldwide priority for both governments and the private sector, requiring the development of innovative solutions and systems to protect the cyberspace from attacks.
Quantum tech for cybersecurity
Quantum technology is a class of technologies that develops radical innovations based on quantum physics. Such innovations include data processing by quantum computers, secure communication enabled by quantum networks and cryptography, quantum metrology, and more.
Using quantum encryption technology devices in data transmission improves communication security, which is crucial in civil and defence areas. Various industries worldwide, especially finance, medicine, and defence, are deeply interested in using quantum computing and quantum secure communication. Moreover, quantum tech can also be used to advance mobile networks enabling the development of new products and services.
Collaborating on quantum innovations
To enable the safety and other benefits that quantum innovations can provide, LMT has partnered with the Latvian-based global network equipment manufacturer, MikroTik, and the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Latvia (LU MII). In 2021, the parties signed a memorandum of collaboration on research and development in quantum technologies.
The memorandum foresees research on the use of quantum technology and plans that MikroTik, in cooperation with LMT and LU MII, will develop cryptographic equipment – chips – suitable for quantum encryption. The first testing was conducted in 2021, when LU MII scientists successfully transmitted quantum technology-encrypted data over LMT’s network. During the first collaborative testing of quantum technology-encrypted data transmission, the quantum keys synchronized at a speed of ~2000 bps.
The collaborative quantum initiative is a significant step toward lowering cybersecurity risks. Additionally, it’s a great example of how the benefits of quantum physics can already be taken advantage of without waiting for quantum computers or quantum internet.
Strengthening the quantum innovation ecosystem in Latvia and beyond
Such collaborative initiatives significantly boost the cooperation between industry stakeholders – academia, startups, and policymakers – and strengthen the overall Latvian quantum innovation ecosystem, of which LMT is a crucial part. It unites the leading minds in quantum technology and delivers research projects well-known beyond Latvia’s borders.
One of such quantum ecosystem stakeholders is the Quantum Computing Science Centre at the University of Latvia, led by professor Andris Ambainis. His team participates in several projects funded by Horizon Europe, collaborating with various stakeholders such as the Paris Centre for Quantum Computing, Accenture, and more.
Please contact us directly to receive more information on the quantum collaboration initiative.