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Efficient QUantum Light for TechnologY

Project description

Chip-based photonics will enhance access to secure data storage and rapid transmission

Cybersecurity is a growing challenge given the tremendous amount of sensitive data being transmitted around the globe and the increasing sophistication of rogue actors. Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks aim to overcome this challenge, using the physical properties of photons to encode information and fundamental laws of quantum physics to encrypt it. However, transmission speeds are low and costs prohibitive. The French SME Quandela has developed a more efficient and accurate single-photon emitter. It plans to package it on a chip, ready for cost-effective integration in QKD networks. The EU-funded EQUALITY project is helping the team optimise the technology and prepare the business plan for commercialisation.

Objective

Billions of consumers and thousands of companied depend on the security of network infrastructure to assure the safety of their data as it is bleamed around the world. At present, the security provided by traditional encryption algorithms depend on the fact that it takes a very long time for a traditional computer to solve the encryption that would reveal the protected data. However, advances in the domain of quantum computing and the development of efficient algorithms mean that it is becoming much easier to break down conventional encryption algorithms based on computational complexity. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks aim to overcome this challenge by proposing secure lines of communication that have been encrypted using the fundamental laws of quantum physics. This is achieved through manipulation of physical properties of photons to encode information. However, many such networks remain expensive to set up and requires the support of a state-level entity, thus beyond the reach of consumers and companies. Furthermore, the transmission speeds achieved through current photon emitters remain relatively low, making transmitting complex data difficult. Quandela, a french SME founded in 2017 as a spin-off of the French Centre for Scientific Reseach (CNRS) proposes a revolutionary efficient emitter of single photons that would significantly increase the rates of information that could be efficiently transported through QKD networks. Thanks to a proprietary technology, Quandela's photon emitters are able to emit photons significantly more accurately and efficiently than the current products in the market. Quandela is specialized in building efficient chip-based quantum light sources. Due to its size and efficiency of photon emission, these chips could be easily integrated into a QKD network, thus significantly enhancing information transfer rates over longer distances. In addition to light sources, Quandela develops technological bricks for quantum applications.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

QUANDELA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 50 000,00
Address
7 RUE LEONARD DE VINCI
91300 Massy
France

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Essonne
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 71 429,00
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