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The prime defence contractor has teamed up with a Singapore-based university to jointly develop quantum technology.
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Thales has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National University of Singapore (NUS), establishing a two-year partnership aimed at jointly developing and testing quantum technologies for commercial applications.
As part of the deal, Singapore’s Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP) and industry and academic experts from Thales will seek to develop capabilities to test and evaluate interdisciplinary quantum security technologies, while also exploring potential research collaboration opportunities in the fields of new materials and design for quantum sensing.
The partnership also involves the organisation of joint collaboration activities, including seminars and conferences.
“Singapore’s drive in quantum technologies is creating exciting opportunities for the nation’s digital economy,” Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS deputy president (research and technology), said.
“Building on this momentum, QEP’s partnership with Thales, a forerunner in the quantum revolution, will accelerate innovation and development of quantum solutions that are commercially attractive locally and globally.
“The success of this collaboration will also bolster Singapore’s attractiveness as a testbed and springboard for deploying new quantum technologies.”
Thales is expected to provide its SafeNet Luna Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and high-speed network encryptors that support interfaces to quantum devices for research use.
The algorithms and quantum random number generation technology is designed to provide the crypto-agility to easily implement quantum-safe crypto and combat the threats of quantum computing.
The equipment is to be deployed for proof-of-concept trials and test beds in Singapore.
“Quantum technologies open almost infinite possibilities for the future and our researchers see real potential in three types of quantum applications, namely in sensors, communications and post-quantum cryptology,” Kevin Chow, country director and chief executive of Thales in Singapore, said.
“Thales has a rich heritage in research and technology in Singapore and being part of the QEP is a strong testament to our collaborative approach towards using quantum technologies to solve real-world, end-user challenges.
“While this initial partnership involves our network encryption technology to provide crypto-agility and cyber security, we continue to work with the R&T ecosystem in Singapore to explore new topics, including using novel materials for quantum sensing or in secured communications in quantum technologies.”
The collaboration agreement is also expected to involve the development of devices that leverage quantum physics for higher performance, supporting Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan (RIE2025).
“Quantum communications and security, as well as quantum devices and instrumentation are two significant focus areas under the QEP,” Ling Keok Tong, director (smart nation and digital economy) of the National Research Foundation, said.
“This MoU will enable like-minded organisations like Thales to collaborate with our public sector research performers to translate their capabilities into impactful next-generation quantum technologies for application in the industry.”
[Related: Lockheed Martin conducts F-35 experiment with ADF]
