Nexova is joining the consortium working in a partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) on a new extension to the International Use Cases for Operational QKD Applications and Services (INT-UQKD) project, which will focus on interoperability between quantum communication networks using quantum key distribution (QKD). Nexova’s responsibilities in the Belgium extension include the development of the building blocks for a security operations centre (SOC) at its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Transinne, Belgium.
Nexova is joining forces with sister company Starion in a 3-year extension to the INT-UQKD project, which is demonstrating use cases for quantum key distribution (QKD) by deploying pre-operational capability in real-life international IT environments. The primary focus of the new extension in Belgium is interoperability between independently developed quantum communication infrastructures (QCIs) using INT-UQKD network components.
Various national and regional QCIs are being developed in Europe, including the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), an initiative by the European Commission. The next stage is to enable seamless quantum-safe communications across QCIs without any need for user intervention.
The INT-UQKD project is supported by ESA’s programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES). More specifically, the Belgium extension to the INT-UQKD project is being funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) and the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) through ESA’s ARTES strategic programme line ‘Space Systems for Safety and Security’ (4S).
During the Belgium extension to INT-UQKD, the consortium led by Starion Luxembourg will develop and prove the security and pre-operational capabilities of a software component that can enable continuous QKD across the INT-UQKD network and BENELUX-QCI, a joint initiative by Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This will then provide the foundations for a future standard for interconnection between any QCIs. Nexova will be responsible for proving that this new software component is provably secured.
In parallel, Nexova will develop building blocks for a security operations centre (SOC) tenant for QKD services at its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Transinne, Belgium.
Marc Taymans, Managing Director of Nexova, said: “There is an urgent need to develop quantum-safe communications using QKD and post-quantum cryptography before quantum computers develop to the stage that they can break current cryptographic techniques. Interoperability between QCIs will be a key element, enabling critical infrastructures to have complete confidence in the cybersecurity of their communications. We’re delighted to be working with the European Space Agency, Starion Luxembourg and Starion Belgium to make this happen.”
The other project partners for the Belgium extension are IMEC, AMOS and the Royal Military Academy of Belgium. In addition, the project is being made possible through contributions from Belnet, which is enabling access to BENELUX-QCI, and IDELUX, the development agency for the Province of Luxembourg in Belgium, which is providing use of its quantum research laboratory in Transinne.
About ESA’s Space Systems for Safety & Security (4S) programme
ESA is Europe's gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. Part of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the Space Systems for Safety & Security (4S) strategic programme line develops innovative secure satellite communication systems, integrating them with terrestrial networks where relevant. These systems aim to enhance the safety, resilience and security of our critical infrastructures and applications, including transportation across land, air and sea. Additionally, they support governmental operations such as border control and law enforcement.
The 4S initiative aims to support European and national institutions and public bodies in building satellite communications tailored to their needs, while also maintaining Europe’s position at the forefront of the global secure communications market. By fostering growth in this domain, the initiative contributes to creating a safer and more resilient society in Europe and beyond.
Learn more at connectivity.esa.int/artes-4-0-programme-overview/safety-security