Nokia Validates Quantum-Safe Network Blueprint for Canadian Infrastructure

Nokia, alongside Numana and partners, has validated a quantum-safe network blueprint—Blueprint 7—designed to fortify Canada’s critical infrastructure against the rapidly approaching threat of quantum computing. Recent tests at Kirq, Canada’s only quantum-safe testbed, demonstrate how trusted Canadian solutions can maintain the nation’s position at the forefront of quantum development, securing networks used by essential services like banks, hospitals, and governments. This milestone showcases practical, repeatable network architectures integrating multiple next-generation encryption technologies within a unified system, a critical step toward nationwide deployment. Kirq’s ability to demonstrate that trusted Canadian solutions work will help keep Canada on the leading edge of quantum development and strengthen collaboration with trusted partners, highlighting the importance of this collaborative effort to protect long-term digital infrastructure.

Kirq Testbed Validates Blueprint 7 for Quantum-Safe Networks

Canada’s quantum-safe network testbed has demonstrated a viable pathway to securing critical infrastructure against the looming threat of quantum computers. Recent trials at Kirq, Canada’s only quantum-safe testbed, successfully validated Blueprint 7, a network architecture designed to integrate multiple next-generation encryption technologies. This achievement signifies a substantial step towards safeguarding Canada’s digital systems—including those used by banks, hospitals, and government agencies—from future cyberattacks leveraging the exponentially increased processing power of quantum computing. The tests, conducted in February 2026, integrated Canadian-developed cryptographic capabilities with quantum-safe optical networking technologies, and also support potential future integration with satellite-based quantum communications initiatives like QEYSSat, extending the reach of secure connectivity. The collaborative effort involved Numana, Nokia Canada, and Canadian partners Crypto4A and evolutionQ, showcasing a unified approach to quantum-safe networking.

Notably, NowQuantum independently validated Blueprint 7 by demonstrating the ability to secure not only data in transit, but also the real-time execution of business-critical applications—a crucial requirement for operators of essential infrastructure. This validation process focused on addressing the practical challenges of upgrading existing, complex networks without causing disruption, rather than requiring complete system replacements. The teams successfully showed how quantum-safe encryption, secure key generation, and quantum key distribution can be seamlessly integrated into current network environments, reducing costs and operational risks. “We now know Blueprint 7 is a recipe that works,” said Bernard Duval, CEO of Numana, emphasizing the practical outcome of the testing.

Jeffrey Maddox, President of Nokia Canada, highlighted Canada’s growing prominence in the field, stating, “Canada is rapidly emerging as a global leader in quantum‑safe communications, and the work completed on the Kirq testbed demonstrates how a trusted national ecosystem can turn innovation into deployable capability.” The validation of Blueprint 7 is not simply a technological feat, but a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to cryptographic sovereignty and its ability to collaborate with international partners.

Dr. Michele Mosca, Founder and CEO of evolutionQ, underscored the importance of a layered approach, noting that “integrating multiple quantum-safe techniques, including post-quantum cryptography, offers a layered approach that companies can integrate within their existing infrastructures.” Bruno Couillard, CEO and Co-Founder of Crypto4A, added, “This milestone proves Canada has the capability to deploy practical, interoperable quantum-safe infrastructure, and to lead globally in doing so.” Testing activities will expand, supporting organizations as they assess exposure, validate solutions and plan for the adoption of quantum-safe networking at scale. This effort builds on existing partnerships, including work to integrate space-to-terrestrial quantum encryption, and reinforces Canada’s role as a centre for practical quantum-safe testing focused on protecting long-term digital infrastructure.

NowQuantum’s FS-QSFA Secures Real-Time Application Execution

The escalating threat posed by quantum computing has spurred significant advancements in securing digital infrastructure, moving beyond theoretical cryptography to practical, deployable solutions. While much focus remains on protecting data at rest and in transit, a crucial, often overlooked aspect is securing the real-time execution of applications – the very processes that underpin critical services. NowQuantum, a Canadian startup, recently demonstrated a significant step forward in this area, independently validating a network blueprint with its Full-Stack, Quantum-Safe First Architecture (FS-QSFA). This achievement, conducted within Canada’s Kirq quantum-safe testbed on February 24, 2026, signifies a move toward holistic quantum-safe environments capable of safeguarding not just information, but the operations themselves. This reflects a broader international effort to address the emerging quantum threat. As quantum computers, already a reality, progress toward wider commercial availability, threatening to compromise widely used network security almost instantly. The successful demonstration of NowQuantum’s architecture underscores Canada’s growing prominence in quantum communications. This interoperability is critical, as deploying quantum-resilient infrastructure requires a cohesive approach rather than wholesale system replacements.

The successful demonstration, involving Numana, Nokia Canada, Crypto4A, and evolutionQ, signifies a critical step toward safeguarding Canada’s digital infrastructure against the looming threat of quantum-enabled cyberattacks. This isn’t simply about theoretical preparedness; the teams focused on the practical challenge of upgrading existing, complex networks—those used by banks, hospitals, and governments—without causing disruption. evolutionQ’s Dr.

Integration of Cryptographic Technologies Mitigates Quantum Threats

The accelerating threat posed by quantum computers to existing network security is no longer theoretical; practical validation of mitigation strategies is now underway, with Canadian initiatives demonstrating significant progress in securing critical infrastructure. This milestone addresses the urgent need to fortify digital systems against potential breaches as quantum computing capabilities expand, potentially compromising widely used network security almost instantly. The validation process specifically focused on the complex challenge of upgrading existing multi-vendor networks without causing operational disruptions, a key concern for organizations reliant on continuous service. This approach minimizes cost, reduces operational risk, and aligns Canadian innovation with international standards, according to testing results released on February 24, 2026. This progress reflects a broader international effort to address the emerging quantum threat. As quantum computing advances globally, jurisdictions in Europe and elsewhere are moving to strengthen cryptographic sovereignty.