Walton Institute Receives €5.3M for Quantum-Resistant Security Project Q-FENCE

The Walton Institute at South East Technological University, located in Ireland, has secured a grant of five point three million euros, equivalent to six point two million US dollars, from the Horizon Europe initiative.

This funding is allocated for the Q-FENCE project, which aims to develop quantum-resistant security measures mandated by the European Union for critical sectors. As quantum computing technology advances, traditional encryption methods are increasingly at risk, making this project crucial for future-proofing digital security across Europe.

The Q-FENCE project involves a collaboration of twelve partners from various academic and industry sectors throughout Europe. The primary objectives of the initiative include the creation of security tools capable of withstanding threats posed by quantum computing and facilitating a seamless transition for organizations from existing encryption systems to new, quantum-resistant alternatives.

The project aligns with the EU directive that requires all critical systems to upgrade to quantum-resistant security standards by the year 2030. Real-world testing of the developed solutions will occur in environments that cannot afford any disruptions, such as hospitals, banks, and essential utilities.

Demonstrations within the Q-FENCE project will cover several sectors, including the implementation of quantum-safe encryption for financial institutions and the development of energy-efficient security systems tailored for manufacturers, smart grids, and networks of connected devices.

Dr. Indrakshi Dey, the Principal Investigator at the Walton Institute, emphasized that the overarching goal is to establish security frameworks that will safeguard Europe’s digital backbone for decades ahead.

This initiative not only places Ireland at the forefront of quantum-resistant security research but also underscores the increasing urgency to address the potential vulnerabilities introduced by quantum computing advancements.

The project is set to run with a completion target of December first, two thousand twenty-five.