Toshiba and Numana are partnering to enhance the Kirq quantum communication testbed in Quebec. The collaboration will expand the testbed’s capacity and distance, using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology for secure communications. The Kirq testbed, already live in Sherbrooke, will launch additional hubs in Montreal and Quebec City. Toshiba’s QKD equipment is used in the testbed, aiming for a quantum secure vision for future networks. Hiroaki Tezuka from Toshiba and Jacques Mc Neill from Numana will present at the Inside Quantum Technology Conference in Vancouver. The partnership marks a significant advancement in quantum communications technology.
Quantum Communication Testbed Enhancement: Toshiba and Numana Collaboration
Toshiba and Numana have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving the Kirq quantum communication testbed in Quebec. The collaboration is expected to increase the capacity and distance of Kirq’s real-world telco-grade infrastructure. The partnership will also utilize advanced quantum technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology to ensure secure communications.
The Kirq testbed is currently operational in Sherbrooke, with plans to launch two additional hubs in Montreal this summer and in Quebec City by early 2025. The multi-hub testbed employs Toshiba’s advanced QKD equipment in a multi-vendor open testbed network build-out, ensuring a robust and versatile infrastructure. Kirq’s scalable and adaptable platform and multi-partner approach are designed to achieve a quantum secure vision for next-generation networks.
Toshiba’s Role in Kirq’s Development
Toshiba is expected to contribute significantly to Kirq by leveraging its global reputation. From a product development perspective, the activities with Kirq are intended to expedite Toshiba’s system development and testing in the field. Toshiba and Numana will also prepare early adopters use cases to enable customers to test them out in real-live conditions on the Kirq testbed.
Hiroaki Tezuka, Expert QKD Business Development Office, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (TDSL), and Jacques Mc Neill, Coordinator, Quantum Communication Initiative, Numana, will deliver a keynote presentation at the Inside Quantum Technology Conference in Vancouver, BC. The session, titled “Leveraging the Kirq Network to Test and Prepare for the Quantum Future,” will delve into the strategic importance of the Kirq network and its role in preparing for a quantum future.
Quantum Security and the Kirq Network
“Our QKD technology will provide unparalleled security for the Kirq network, ensuring that Quebec’s key cities are at the forefront of quantum communications,” said Hiroaki Tezuka. Jacques McNeill added, “Partnering with Toshiba allows us to bring advanced and secure network solutions to the Kirq testbed and offer it to the global quantum ecosystem. This collaboration is a significant step towards building a future-proof communication infrastructure that will benefit businesses and residents alike.”
The partnership between Toshiba and Numana marks a significant milestone in the advancement of quantum communications technology and underscores their commitment to innovation and security.
About Toshiba International Corporation
Toshiba International Corporation (TIC) is a Toshiba America Inc. (TAI) Group Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, and comprised of five divisions – Solution Products, Motors & Drives, Automotive, Power Electronics and Transmission & Distribution. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, TIC provides application solutions to a wide range of industries including financial, telecom, healthcare, general industrial, oil and gas, utilities, datacenters, renewables, HVAC, water/wastewater, and mining.
About Numana
Numana is a macro-accelerator for technological ecosystems. In collaboration with its partners, Numana brings innovative people together to create more value for the technology industry and for Quebec as a whole. Founded in 2007, Numana is a non-profit organization that makes significant contributions to economic and social vitality by bringing stakeholders from the private, institutional and public technology sectors together around common goals and joint initiatives.
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