The recently launched Secure Quantum Information Reconciliation (SQUIRE) project is tackling the emerging threat quantum computers pose to conventional cryptography by advancing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies. While QKD harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure secure communication, current error correction methods - especially for Continuous Variable (CV) QKD - depend on large block sizes. This requirement significantly limits the ability to operate in real time on standard hardware.
SQUIRE is addressing this bottleneck by developing more efficient error correction codes suitable for embedded devices, building on GPU-accelerated simulations at the University of Malta. The project will collaborate with LuxQuanta, a leading QKD company, which will provide access to raw data from commercial CV-QKD systems and offer advisory support on requirements.
SQUIRE will also integrate these advancements into the post-processing stack being developed in the PRISM project, which is implementing Malta's national European quantum communications infrastructure, thereby gaining practical feedback from a high-TRL environment and accelerating real-world applicability.
Key insights will be provided through the involvement of Merqury Cybersecurity, the technical lead for PRISM, ensuring the solutions developed are both secure and practical. This collaboration will pave the way for secure, real-time QKD systems, strengthening data protection across critical sectors and pushing the boundaries of quantum communication technology.
Project SQUIRE is financed by Science Malta and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, through the ‘R&I Thematic Programmes: Digital Technologies Programme.' The project is led by the Quantum Communications Research Group at the University of Malta, with Prof. Johann A Briffa as the Principal Investigator, in partnership with Merqury Cybersecurity and in collaboration with LuxQuanta.
More information is available on the project website, which will also be regularly updated with the latest news and developments.
