Qupic, de Quside

Ultra-fast and Cost-effective Quantum Random Number Generator Photonic Integrated Chip

Random Number Generators (RNGs) generate random strings of bits that are used as keys in data encryption. These keys work with encryption algorithms and are crucial to ensuring data security. However, most commonly used RNGs do not generate truly random numbers, so encrypted data and communications are increasingly vulnerable to hackers. The most secure solution for ciphers is the use of Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs). These use quantum physics principles for true randomness.

There are a number of barriers for QRNGs to be used in the market. Some existing QRNGs are too slow (i.e. only Mbps), some are not high-quality and all of them are too expensive. Also, QRNGs are 100mm2 or more, too large for many applications.

Our client, Quside Technologies S.L. (Quside), a technology company created by ICFO, the Institute of Photonic Sciences, based in Barcelona, will overcome these barriers with a QRNG chip called Qupic.

Qupic chip uses standard components and manufacturing procedures. It is high-quality and lightning-fast (up to tens of Gbps), so it fulfils the needs of data centres. It is also so small that it can fit inside of a smartphone.

Quside’s manufacturing processes will allow them to build this technology, faster and smaller than its competitors. The result will be a permanently secure infrastructure for data and communications in servers, the cloud and connected devices, but in addition, Qupic can also be used for complex simulations in scientific, financial and engineering applications.

To develop their project, Quside submitted their proposal to the May 2018 call of the SME Instrument Phase 1, and we are pleased to say that they got the necessary grant to carry out the tasks required in this phase, after obtaining a score of 13.46. We are very glad to have been able to participate in Quside’s success, and we wish them the best of luck in the development of their project.