National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN)

The ability to communicate securely is more important than ever to society and industry to thwart the current threat posed by future quantum computers. Applications and communications handling high-value assets or requiring long-term protection needs to be equipped with quantum-safe security enhancements as soon as possible and building readiness for a secure quantum internet to build next generation quantum-safe applications and services is our mission.

The NQSN will support the realization of Singapore’s quantum internet infrastructure and quantum-secure data space, called the National Quantum-safe Network. The project is supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) over the next three years and will deploy commercial technologies for trials with government agencies and private companies, do in-depth evaluation of the security of the systems, and develop guidelines to support companies in adopting such technologies. It aims to establish a nation-wide platform for partners and a field-deployed testbed for exploring quantum-safe communication technologies, evaluate its security and to demonstrate the integration of quantum-safe applications, best practices and use cases.

In its initial phase 2022-2025, NQSN goal is to design, realize, enable, operate and maintain a national quantum-safe communication platform to communicate securely, protected and guaranteed by the laws of quantum-physics. This quantum network is then to serve as a model for Singapore’s quantum communication infrastructure and will also be ground-breaking for the development of a local quantum internet and quantum-safe communication services in the region and world-wide.

With focus on 2022 to 2025, the National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) will deploy commercial technologies for trials with government agencies and private companies, do in-depth evaluation of the security of the systems, and develop guidelines to support companies in adopting such technologies. The nodes will be connected to provide a public network that can act as a living lab for organisations wanting to experience quantum-safe communication technologies, and separable government and private networks trialling dedicated users’ applications.

The network will offer both quantum key distribution, which is a hardware approach to quantum-safe communication requiring the installation of devices to create and receive quantum signals, and post-quantum cryptography, which involves upgrading software to run new cryptographic algorithms thought to be resistant to attack by quantum computer.

In parallel, we will establish a Quantum Security Lab to provide advanced quantum security vulnerability research and secure design, and organise workshops with potential end-users to understand their needs and build awareness of the technologies available.

Project Team

Fraunhofer Singapore will work together with NUS, NTU (FSR@NTU) to deliver the network objectives. Hosted by NUS, the initiative will receive S$8.5 million over three years. Collaborators will bring expertise, equipment and use-cases to the project. 

Comprehensive Public-Private Partnerships

The project kicks off with more than 15 collaborators and will welcome new partners as work progresses. This also includes an earlier announcement by NUS on their collaborations for QEP with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and with Thales that will contribute to the NQSN.