Cryptographic Keys for Earth and Space

The QSPIN project for the development of ThinkQuantum's technology platform for terrestrial and space applications will last three years and cost EUR 2.5 million. ThinkQuantum, a spin-off of the University of Padua, was set up in 2021 to develop solutions for cryptography based on optical and quantum technologies, in particular to create systems for cryptographic and quantum keys distribution (quantum key distribution) and devices for random number generation (quantum random number generation). With the expertise achieved in the field of cybersecurity, ThinkQuantum will further develop, through the QSPIN Project, technologies for quantum cryptographic key distribution (QKD) for terrestrial networks and space applications. Recognition by the European Innovation Council also rewards the role of the University of Padua, which over the years has gained leadership in this increasingly strategic field of quantum communications. In the field of cybersecurity and communication systems based on quantum communication technologies, ThinkQuantum offers a reliable European supply chain for geo-politically sensitive applications covering the entire value chain, from design and production to the commissioning of quantum key distribution systems and quantum random number generation devices.

"The University of Padua is proud to announce that ThinkQuantum, our spin-off and leading company in the design and production of cybersecurity solutions based on quantum technologies, has been selected as one of the winners of the European Innovation Council's EIC Transition programme," says Monica Fedeli, pro-rector with responsibility for the University's Third Mission and Relations with the Territory. "The award translates into a non-repayable grant of around €2.5 million to fund the QSPIN (Quantum System for Polarization Based Internet Networking) project. This is a great success in the area of technological innovation and knowledge enhancement of our University, which is also a leader in this field'.

"ThinkQuantum has been awarded substantial funding in one of the most selective calls, the European Innovation Council's (EIC) - Transition Program. The spin-off, which will soon be four years old, is the expression of the QuantumFuture research group, which among other things has obtained the first results in quantum communications in space,' emphasises Paolo Villoresi, lecturer in the Department of Information Engineering and chairman of ThinkQuantum's board of directors. 'This research came about thanks to a research project financed by the university in 2003 for the Department of Information Engineering. In addition to the pure research, which continues thanks to the group of over twenty people, the application aspect was soon added. At present, this development is realised with a metropolitan 'secure' communications network that will soon be extended to the region, an integration with the national and European network. All this is also thanks to the activities of the Padua Interdepartmental Quantum Technologies Research Centre, which has been active for over four years,' continues Villoresi. 'By virtue of its presence in numerous European projects and the European flagship on quantum technologies, the University of Padua has a leading role in this increasingly strategic sector of quantum communications.