Powering Up: Utility Giant Invests in Quantum Computing

Hey Quantum Enthusiast!

This weekly roundup is all about the latest developments in Quantum Technologies (April 14-20, 2025):

• ⚛️ Key advancements and partnerships in Quantum

• 🛰️ Innovations in secure Quantum Communications, including satellite-based approaches.

• 🔒 Progress in Post-Quantum Cryptography adoption and readiness.

If you're keen on navigating the rapidly evolving quantum landscape and understanding its potential impact, then here are the resources you need to dig into to stay informed and prepared for the quantum future.

Weekly Resources List

1. IonQ Partners with Japan’s G-QuAT (Est. Reading Time: 3 mins) IonQ signed an MOU with Japan's G-QuAT (part of AIST) on April 14th to provide access to its Forte-class quantum computers, aiming to advance quantum R&D and applications in Japan, supported by the country's significant public investment in quantum tech.

2. Chattanooga Utility (EPB) Invests in Quantum Computer (Est. Reading Time: 5 mins) EPB is purchasing an IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer for $22 million (with IonQ contributing $15M) to be housed in a new quantum innovation cent. They plan to sell compute time and leverage it for grid optimisation and cybersecurity, highlighting growing utility interest.

3. Quantum Communications Takes Flight on World Quantum Day (Est. Reading Time: 4 mins) April 14th saw announcements including a partnership between Partisia, Squareroot8, and NuSpace to integrate quantum-safe cryptography (using QRNGs) with satellites for secure Multi-Party Computation (MPC). Arqit also reported progress with telecom providers adopting its quantum-safe encryption.

4. OpenSSH Embraces Post-Quantum Cryptography (Est. Reading Time: 2 mins) OpenSSH version 10.0 introduced a hybrid post-quantum key exchange algorithm (ML-KEM combined with X25519) as its default, marking a significant practical step in migrating critical infrastructure towards quantum resistance.

5. World Quantum Day & International Year of Quantum (Est. Reading Time: 3 mins) Description: April 14th was World Quantum Day, part of the broader UN-designated International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025. The event aims to boost global awareness and education about quantum mechanics and its applications.

Favourite Insight of the Week

Lastly here's my favourite tip about Post-Quantum Cryptography readiness this week.

It's highlighted by the news about OpenSSH adopting a PQC standard Link and this completely changed how I thought about the practical transition to quantum-safe security.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Step 1: Acknowledge the Threat: Quantum computers, when powerful enough, will break much of the encryption (like RSA, ECC) we rely on today for secure communication (SSH, websites, etc.).

Step 2: Understand the Solution: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) involves new algorithms (like ML-KEM, chosen by NIST) based on math problems believed hard for both classical and quantum computers. Hybrid approaches combine these new algorithms with existing ones for a smoother transition.

Step 3: See Real-World Adoption: OpenSSH, a fundamental tool for secure remote access used everywhere, making a PQC hybrid algorithm the default shows the transition isn't just theoretical anymore. It's happening now in core infrastructure components.

Hope this helps!

Other Industry News

Want to stay on the cutting edge?

Here's what else has been happening in Quantum you should know about:

• Utility Bets on Quantum: According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press , Chattanooga's utility EPB is investing significantly in an IonQ quantum computer. This is a big deal because it shows quantum computing moving beyond pure research labs into practical applications considered by critical infrastructure providers for optimization and security. Personally, I think this signals growing confidence in the near-term potential of QC for specific industry problems.

• Quantum Security via Satellite: According to The Mobile Network , a partnership between Partisia, Squareroot8, and NuSpace aims to use satellites with Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) for secure communications and computation. This is a big deal because it explores a novel, physically secure platform (space) for quantum-safe technologies like Multi-Party Computation. Personally, I think leveraging satellites could offer unique advantages for global secure communication networks.

• Arqit Secures Telco Deal: According to The Mobile Network , Arqit Quantum signed a multi-year deal with a global Tier 1 telecom operator to deploy its Quantum-Safe NetworkSecure technology. This is a big deal because it represents concrete commercial adoption of quantum-safe encryption solutions within major telecommunications infrastructure. Personally, I think this indicates the telecom industry is actively preparing for the post-quantum transition.

That's it!

As always, thanks for reading.

Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week - I'd love to hear from you!

See you next Monday.

Phil.