Qrypt, a quantum-secure encryption company, has been selected by AFWERX for a contract to address cybersecurity challenges in the Department of Air Force (DAF). The company’s Quantum Key Generation (QKG) technology eliminates key transmission vulnerabilities and mitigates quantum threats. Qrypt is partnering with the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) at the University of Texas at San Antonio to apply its solution to DAF-specific use cases.
Denis Mandich, CTO and co-founder of Qrypt, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing quantum-secure encryption to protect critical communications from advanced attacks.
Qrypt Awarded STTR Phase 1 Contract by AFWERX and the Department of Air Force
Qrypt, a company specializing in quantum-secure encryption, has been selected by AFWERX for an STTR Phase 1 contract. The contract is centered on Qrypt’s quantum-secure encryption solution, which aims to address significant challenges in the Department of Air Force (DAF). The quantum era brings with it quantum threats, and Qrypt is dedicated to addressing these threats and protecting national security.
Partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio
Qrypt is collaborating with the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to evaluate the application of Qrypt’s solution to DAF-specific use cases and challenges. UTSA, a United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) Academic Engagement Network partner, will work with Qrypt to strengthen national defense capabilities and advance quantum-resistant cryptography.
The Role of the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have streamlined the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process. This has been achieved by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, expanding opportunities to small businesses, and eliminating bureaucratic overhead. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/SSTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations funded. On December 12, 2023, Qrypt began its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
Qrypt’s Quantum-Secure Encryption Solution
Qrypt’s quantum-secure encryption solution uniquely eliminates key transmission and addresses the immediate threat posed by “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL) attacks. The company’s Quantum Key Generation (QKG) enables the independent generation of encryption keys at various endpoints without transmission. This not only eliminates key transmission vulnerabilities but also directly mitigates the quantum threat. DAF relies on encrypted communications and data for mission-critical operations. This collaboration addresses the vulnerabilities of traditional methods and emerging quantum threats like HNDL attacks through quantum-secure encryption.
Qrypt’s Commitment to National Security
Qrypt is committed to safeguarding national security by addressing the imminent threat of quantum computing. Denis Mandich, chief technology officer and co-founder at Qrypt, stated that the award is just the first step in advancing quantum-secure encryption to protect critical communications and sectors from advanced attacks.
About Qrypt, AFRL, AFWERX, and NSCC
Qrypt aims to protect against the quantum threat through the seamless integration of quantum entropy hardware with cryptographic key generation software. The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFWERX, the innovation arm of the DAF, brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. The National Security Collaboration Center, Texas’ largest hub for government, university, and industry partners in national security, advances research and innovation in various fields.