Empowering Secure Communication in the Quantum Age: Why We Invested in Quantum Optics Jena
Encryption technologies are vital to maintaining trust in today’s interconnected world. They help to secure critical infrastructure, privacy in communications, IP and trade secrets and confidential business data. Yet, current mathematics-based encryption technologies are increasingly vulnerable to the growing sophistication of cyberattacks.
Fast-forward to 2030, when hackers can deliver multi-trillion dollar cyber threats by decrypting data hacked today in seconds using quantum computers. We need a new encryption paradigm to combat this threat and better secure our information in the quantum age. Enter Quantum Optics Jena (QOJ), the company revolutionizing communication networks using the laws of quantum physics.
Here’s why we invested.
A crucial moment for quantum investment
As quantum technologies advance rapidly, we believe this is the perfect time to invest in quantum communication. While quantum computing and sensing still face significant scalability hurdles and high capital needs, quantum communication is nearing practical implementation with strong adoption potential. Quantum key distribution (QKD) and secure data transmission are rapidly gaining traction in sectors with critical security demands. Given Quantum Optics Jena’s technological edge — as well as its presence in Germany, Singapore and the US — the company is well positioned to become a global leader in information security in the quantum age.
Technological edge
Based on Nobel prize-winning research, QOJ’s technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics. Entanglement-based QKD uses the entanglement of two photons to create a shared, random secret key known only to the parties involved. This key can be used to encrypt and decrypt messages. Due to the distinctive features of quantum entanglement, the technology is inherently tap-proof and able to alert of third-party presence and attempted access. This positions entanglement-based QKD as the highest security standard, surpassing alternative QDK protocols as well as post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Ultimately, we expect the technological advantages of entanglement-based QKD to pave the way for a security standard that will be certified and in the long run be fit for mass adoption.
QOJ’s technology offers various advantages over alternative QKD approaches, such as the potential to be deployed for multi-party use cases or ultra-long-distance QKD via satellites. It also does not require super cooling, and QOJ has found a way to streamline manufacturing, giving it an edge in terms of robustness, size and cost efficiency compared to other QKD providers. By developing its technology in Jena — a world-leading center of optical innovation — QOJ has strategic advantages such as access to key talent and proximity to supply chain and markets. Lastly, QOJ’s involvement in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure Initiative (EuroQCI) is testament to its technological edge.
Nascent market with significant potential
While still in its infancy, the market potential for QKD technologies is incredibly promising. We’re seeing exciting alignment with accelerating quantum progress, developing standards and key use cases. Geopolitical factors, such as a growing emphasis on European digital sovereignty and EU and NATO initiatives to bolster quantum-secure communication, further add to the market’s allure.
With the QKD market projected to hit $5 billion by 2030, there’s major potential beyond current demand from infrastructure and governments. Long-term, entanglement-based technologies will be required for the quantum internet, offering significant growth opportunities. As the market evolves, QKD will be crucial, and QOJ is well-positioned to lead this charge and shape the future of quantum communication.
Stellar team
QOJ’s team combines world-class academic expertise with proven commercial success. One of the five founders was a member of Anton Zeilinger’s renowned team that won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2022 for its work on entangled photons. Kevin and Oliver, QOJ’s managing directors and co-founders, are the visionaries who have conceptualized the business case and transformed cutting-edge academic research into a commercially viable product. Jointly with a team of 14 hard- and software engineers, they are continuing to realize their vision of ensuring the highest degree of information security in the quantum age.
Want to know more about Quantum Optics Jena? Get in touch with us at hello@join.capital, or visit their website.
