BTQ Technologies Corp. is partnering with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to develop a security chip using Quantum Computation in Memory (QCIM) technology. The chip will compute Kyber, a standardised algorithm by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The collaboration aims to apply this technology to post-quantum hardware solutions for industries requiring long-term data security. The goal is to improve the energy efficiency and performance of computation-intensive ASICs. The project will balance high performance with low power consumption. Professor Wei-Chih Hong, Head of Hardware Engineering at BTQ, and Dr. Chris Lu, Department Manager at ITRI’s Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories, are involved in the project.
“CIM technology can potentially improve the energy efficiency of computation-intensive ASICs by reducing the data movements in traditional von Neumann architecture. Our previous work with ITRI has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of transferring CIM architecture from AI to post-quantum hash function computation. Based on the results, we continue to develop an advanced CIM architecture suitable for scaled-up computations in NIST selected PQC algorithms. More specifically, we are collaborating with an expanded ITRI team to design a CIM-enabled accelerator for Kyber, and we are excited about the efficiency and performance improvements this chip will bring.”
Professor Wei-Chih Hong, Head of Hardware Engineering at BTQ.
Quantum Technology Company Collaborates to Develop Security Chip
BTQ Technologies Corp. is working with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to create a security chip that uses Quantum Computation in Memory (QCIM) technology. The chip will compute Kyber, an algorithm standardised by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The collaboration between BTQ and ITRI has previously demonstrated the concept of using computation-in-memory in an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip. The next phase of their partnership aims to apply this development to post-quantum hardware solutions for industries that require long-term data security. The goal is to use CIM technology to improve the energy efficiency of computation-intensive ASICs, reducing data movements in traditional architectures and enhancing the chip’s efficiency and performance.
Kyber Post Quantum Cryptography.
Kyber is an IND-CCA2-secure key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) whose security is based on the hardness of solving the learning-with-errors (LWE) problem over module lattices. Kyber is one of the finalists in the NIST post-quantum cryptography project. The submission lists three different parameter sets aimed at different security levels.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Performance
The collaboration aims to harness CIM technology to enhance the energy efficiency of computation-intensive ASICs. This will reduce data movements in traditional architectures and improve the chip’s efficiency and performance, especially for NIST-selected Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms. BTQ and ITRI emphasise balancing high performance with low power consumption in designing this ASIC accelerator.
In 2022, BTQ entered into a multi-year collaboration with ITRI to develop energy-efficient post-quantum hardware solutions for applications in blockchain, telecom, and other industries needing long-term data security. The first phase of cooperation successfully validated the proof of concept of applying computation-in-memory in an ASIC chip.
Standardised Algorithms and Data Security
In July 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially announced standardised algorithms from Round 3 of the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Competition. Kyber is one of the Public-Key Encryptions standardised by NIST that enables network entities to establish shared secrets via insecure communication channels, essential for protecting data confidentiality using symmetric cryptosystems.
BTQ and ITRI plan to use QCIM to speed up critical computation in Kyber. The computations required for PQC algorithms demand significant computational resources. Designing an ASIC accelerator that strikes a balance between high performance and low power consumption presents a challenge.
About BTQ and ITRI
BTQ was founded by a group of post-quantum cryptographers with an interest in addressing the urgent security threat posed by large-scale universal quantum computers. With the support of leading research institutes and universities, BTQ is combining software and hardware to safeguard critical networks using unique post-quantum services and solutions.
ITRI is one of the world’s leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan’s industries from labor-intensive into innovation-driven. It has launched its 2030 Technology Strategy & Roadmap and focuses on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment.
“The computations required for PQC algorithms demand significant computational resources. Designing an ASIC accelerator that strikes a balance between high performance and low power consumption presents a challenge. It must possess flexibility and programmability to accommodate various PQC algorithms and their variants. A modular, scalable, and reconfigurable design allows for easy customization to specific application scenarios, enabling quick adaptation to new algorithms. We employ a HW/SW co-design approach to seamlessly integrate CIM technology with existing ecosystems.”
Dr. Chris Lu, Department Manager at ITRI’s Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories.
Quick Summary
BTQ Technologies Corp. is collaborating with ITRI to develop a security chip that uses Quantum Computation in Memory (QCIM) technology to enhance the energy efficiency of computation-intensive ASICs and improve long-term data security. The chip will compute Kyber, a standardised algorithm by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to balance high performance with low power consumption.
- BTQ Technologies Corp. is working with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to develop a security chip using Quantum Computation in Memory (QCIM) technology.
- The chip will compute Kyber, a standardized algorithm by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- The collaboration aims to apply this technology to post-quantum hardware solutions for industries requiring long-term data security.
- The goal is to use Computation in Memory (CIM) technology to enhance the energy efficiency of computation-intensive ASICs, improving the chip’s efficiency and performance.
- The project aims to balance high performance with low power consumption in designing this ASIC accelerator.
- Professor Wei-Chih Hong, Head of Hardware Engineering at BTQ, and Dr. Chris Lu, Department Manager at ITRI’s Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories, are key individuals involved in the project.
- BTQ was founded by post-quantum cryptographers and is focused on securing critical networks using unique post-quantum services and solutions.
- ITRI is a leading technology R&D institution aiming to innovate a better future for society.
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