evolutionQ Inc.

Published purpose

The project aims at creating a relevant environment to integrate fiber and satellite links in a combined Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network. The environment will enable development of software suitable to deploy in a satellite payload and validate key routing protocols required for a mixed fiber and satellite QKD network. Cryptography is a pillar for secure communication, enabling many of the network-based social and financial interactions at the core of the modern society and economy. Cryptographic schemes are based on sharing cryptographic keys between the communicating parties and need technologies for establishing such keys. This is a challenge particularly for Canada, due to its geographical expanse. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) aims at creating shared cryptographic keys by exploiting the fundamental laws of quantum physics. Satellite-based QKD networks working in conjunction with terrestrial QKD networks expands the limited coverage range inherent in terrestrial QKD networks.