ICTK and BTQ Technologies have formalized a $15 million strategic partnership to co-develop the ‘Quantum Compute in Memory (QCIM)’ security chip, announced October 28th. The collaboration leverages BTQ’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms integrated with ICTK’s security chip design and manufacturing expertise. This innovative chip aims to facilitate a seamless transition to quantum-secure environments without disrupting existing workflows, targeting a five-fold increase in Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) processing speed and a throughput of approximately 1 million digital signatures per second. The partnership seeks to establish technological self-reliance and leadership within the emerging global quantum security semiconductor market.
Strategic Partnership: ICTK and BTQ Technologies Collaborate
ICTK and BTQ Technologies have formalized a $15 million strategic partnership aimed at preemptively addressing security vulnerabilities posed by advancing quantum computing. The collaboration will focus on co-developing ‘Quantum Compute in Memory (QCIM)’ – a next-generation security semiconductor. This chip uniquely integrates BTQ’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms with ICTK’s established security chip design and manufacturing expertise, allowing for a smoother transition to quantum-resistant systems without disrupting existing workflows.
The QCIM chip is projected to deliver a significant performance boost over current security hardware. Targeted specifications include a five-fold increase in Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) processing speed and the capacity to process approximately 1 million digital signatures per second. BTQ’s investment, including participation in ICTK’s capital increase with a two-year voluntary lock-up, signals strong confidence in the partnership’s potential to create a leading quantum-safe hardware ecosystem.
This collaboration isn’t just about technological advancement; it’s a strategic move to bolster domestic technology self-reliance and capture a share of the burgeoning global quantum security semiconductor market. Initial applications will prioritize foundational industries—defense, finance, telecommunications, and AI—where securing data against quantum attacks is paramount. By combining expertise, ICTK and BTQ aim to lead the charge in commercializing quantum security solutions.
QCIM Chip Development and Performance Targets
ICTK and BTQ Technologies have partnered in a $15 million deal to develop the ‘Quantum Compute in Memory’ (QCIM) chip—a next-generation security semiconductor. This collaboration addresses the looming threat of quantum computers breaking current encryption standards. Leveraging BTQ’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and ICTK’s chip expertise, the QCIM aims for seamless integration into existing systems—avoiding costly workflow overhauls for customers. The venture signals a proactive shift toward quantum-resistant security solutions.
A key performance target for the QCIM chip is a five-fold increase in Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) processing speed compared to current security hardware. Beyond speed, the design goal includes the capability to process approximately 1 million digital signatures per second. These metrics are crucial, as they demonstrate a substantial leap in security throughput, essential for protecting high-volume data transactions and critical infrastructure.
This partnership isn’t just about chip development; it represents a strategic investment in domestic technology self-reliance. BTQ’s participation in ICTK’s capital increase, with a two-year lock-up period, highlights strong confidence in the technological synergy. The companies are prioritizing early adoption of this quantum security technology across defense, finance, and telecommunications—sectors particularly vulnerable to future quantum-based attacks.
