Project description
New chip generates truly random numbers
Random number generators produce keys for encrypting data. However, most of them do not generate truly random numbers, thereby compromising data security. Random number generators that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics are a better alternative when it comes to producing truly random digits, but they still suffer from issues such as slow speed, low quality and high cost. The EU-funded QUPIC project aims to overcome these barriers by developing a high-quality chip so small that it can fit inside a smartphone and so fast that it can meet the needs of a data centre. The improved chip could find use outside the technology’s core area – server security – for example in complex simulations of scientific, financial and engineering applications.
Objective
Random Number Generators (RNGs) generate random strings of bits that are used as keys in data encryption. These keys work with encryption algorithms and are crucial to ensuring data security. However, most commonly used RNGs do not generate truly random numbers, so encrypted data and communications are increasingly vulnerable to hackers. The most secure solution for ciphers is the use of Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs). These use quantum physics principles for true randomness.
There are a number of barriers for QRNGs to be used in the market. Some existing QRNGs are too slow (i.e. only Mbps), some are not high-quality and all of them are too expensive. Also, QRNGs are 100mm2 or more, too large for many applications.
Quside will overcome these barriers with a QRNG chip called Qupic. It uses standard components and manufacturing procedures. It is high-quality and lightning-fast (up to tens of Gbps). The Qupic chip is so small that it can fit inside of a smartphone and so fast that it satisfies the needs of a data centre. Our manufacturing processes allow us to build this technology not just faster and smaller than our competitors, but also orders of magnitude cheaper.
The result will be a permanently secure infrastructure for data and communications.
The QRNG market size will approach $1 billion by 2020. Apart from security in servers, the cloud and connected devices, QRNGs are also used for complex simulations in scientific, financial and engineering applications. Our initial target markets will be: data centre security, random numbers as a service, IoT devices, large-scale numerical simulations and smartphones/laptops/tablets.
Quside is a technology start-up spun out from ICFO–The Institute of Photonic Sciences in 2017, developing quantum and photonic technologies using a fabless business model. Qupic will boost our revenue from €5 k to €27 m and will allow us to increase our staff from 4 to 22 by 2022.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering manufacturing engineering
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications mobile phones
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.3. - PRIORITY 'Societal challenges
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H2020-EU.2.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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.
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.
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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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.
08860 Castelldefels
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.