Launch high-potential research project to secure quantum computing

A European consortium of leading academic universities and high-tech companies officially starts with a research project for developing a Hardware Security Module to enable Quantum Cloud Computing (HSM-QCC). The research initiative was awarded by QuantERA, a European network of Research Funding Organizations.

Sorbonne University (France), Universities of Twente (The Netherlands), Edinburgh (UK) and Budapest (Hungary) collaborate with three high-tech companies: VeriQloud (France), Thales(France) and Quix Quantum (Germany). Within four years the consortium aims to develop a QEnclave for quantum computers, through combining expertise in quantum computing, cybersecurity and advanced computational technologies.

The HSM-QCC project addresses critical challenges in quantum computing security by developing a QEnclave: a trusted execution environment that will enhance the confidentiality and integrity of quantum computational processes. To achieve this challenge a robust security mechanism for ensuring the privacy of quantum computing is needed. Based on earlier research performed by consortium members, the QEnclave will allow remote users to encrypt a computation executed on a quantum computer connected to a cloud environment (https//www.nature.com/articles/s41534-022-00612-5).

‘Our project represents a significant step forward in securing quantum computational environments’, emphasized Pepijn Pinkse, project coordinator. ‘By creating a Hardware Security Module we are laying the foundation for more reliable quantum cloud computing applications.’

Funding and support

QuantERA is supports and subsidizes the development of Quantum Technologies. This European institute promotes exceptional and original research, foster collaboration among researchers and provide networking opportunities for national research funders across the European Research Area (ERA). Their program demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to advancing technologies and maintaining technological leadership in this critical field.