PQshield is a quantum defence company that is building hardware and software solutions to protect sensitive information. These solutions are built on quantum-resistant cryptography. They are designed to secure messaging services, financial transactions and credit cards. Their products are in three formats: systems on a chip, end user applications and cryptographic SDK for mobile apps.
Device manufacturers
PQshield’s products and services are designed to protect against attacks from today’s attackers and the threats of tomorrow. This includes a cryptographic SDK for server technologies, a cryptographic toolkit for messaging platforms and a system-on-a-chip (SOC) crypto co-processor design. The firm works with device manufacturers, software providers and suppliers, providing them with a range of secure elements to ensure confidentiality and privacy. In addition to its software and hardware offerings, the company is developing a series of new products in areas such as the semiconductor, defense and automotive industries.
The company’s mission is to create quantum-safe cryptographic solutions that work across devices, Whatsappsinghtechcrunch and the cloud. It is currently pursuing a range of initiatives in post-quantum cryptography. Among these efforts, the company is contributing to a process to migrate existing cryptographic standards to a more secure post-quantum format. A major goal of the process is to develop a quantum-resistant standard for encryption that will resist attacks from powerful quantum computers.
The quantum-resistant
As a result of its work, the company has become a key member of the NIST post-quantum encryption standardization process. Specifically, PQshield has contributed to the FIPS 140-3 library that is used by the NIST. Furthermore, the company is helping to build the quantum-resistant public key infrastructure that will be necessary to protect sensitive data from attacks by large-scale quantum computers.
According to the company, its current funding round will allow the company to accelerate product development and international expansion. It will also support its hiring plans for the next several years. By 2022, PQshield plans to double its team.
Forum’s platforms
PQshield was recently selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers. This designation recognizes companies that are early to growth stages and have a strong impact on society and business. Companies are selected based on their innovation, leadership, and relevance to the Forum’s platforms.
PQshield is a spinout of the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute. The team is made up of experts in cryptography and security. Some of its members are also involved in the RISC-V project, a widely-used instruction set architecture that supports multiple cryptographic extensions.
A solid foundation
The company’s latest round of funding was led by Addition, an investment firm founded by Tiger Global’s Lee Fixel. It also included existing investors Crane and Oxford Science Enterprises. Although these funds were insufficient to fund the entire launch of the company, it has provided a solid foundation for future growth.
PQshield is planning to expand its team to a minimum of 50 by 2022, and to hire a number of additional employees as it continues to develop new products and services. Currently, the company’s offerings include a cryptographic SDK for mobile, a cryptographic toolkit for messaging services, and a post-quantum SOC crypto co-processor design.
