PQShield is a post-quantum cryptography company that is helping businesses protect themselves from quantum computers. These superfast machines are able to break traditional public key encryption, which is a major threat to information security. This means that anyone with a quantum computer could potentially access sensitive data, such as bank details, medical records, or national intelligence.
Upgraded protocol
PQShield is currently working on a variety of applications including the Internet of Things (IoT), and securing credit cards and medical devices. It is also developing an upgraded protocol for encrypted messaging services. The company’s solutions provide exceptional protection against today’s most dangerous threats. In fact, the company plans to expand to new sectors within the next five years.
PQShield aims to provide the most secure way to protect personal and confidential information. Their products are compatible with existing infrastructure, making them easy to deploy now and in the future. They are built to meet new standards for post-quantum cryptography, and are commercially available.
Cryptographic solutions
In addition to offering commercially available post-quantum cryptography tools, PQShield’s team of experts have been involved in the standard-setting process of creating new cryptography standards. Currently, researchers are working with the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a new set of post-quantum cryptography standards. Meanwhile, the company is also collaborating with device manufacturers and end-users to develop and test cryptographic solutions.
PQShield is a spinout from Oxford University. It was founded in 2018 by former Deutsche Bank Global Head of Equities Andre Crawford-Brunt, as well as Dr Ali El Kaafarani, who is a leading expert in quantum physics. The company’s post-quantum cryptography tools are seeing strong demand across various industries. As a result, PQShield is expanding its global teams.
Customers and partners
With the new funding, PQShield will increase its team by doubling its current size, as well as enter new markets. The company expects to announce its first large-scale OEM customer soon. However, the company has already secured a number of customers and partners in a wide range of industries, from the semiconductor and defense sectors to banking, insurance, and manufacturing.
PQShield provides ready-made IP, as well as hardware cryptography IP. Solutions include public key infrastructure, secure end-to-end messaging platforms, and IoT firmware. All of PQShield’s solutions are built on an open standard instruction set architecture, RISC-V. A number of PQShield’s team members have contributed multiple cryptographic extensions to the RISC-V architecture.
Continue delivering
In the short term, PQShield plans to grow its teams in France, the Netherlands, and the United States. They will use the investment to expand internationally, as well as hire additional resources for product development. This will allow the company to continue delivering a full-stack service to its clients, which includes security training and advisory services.
PQShield has been recognised as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum. The selection criteria for this category included leadership and innovation. Additionally, the company was chosen based on its impact on the world, with a focus on the future of technology.
