Building a bulwark against the future quantum threat
In our connected world, communicating securely is key, but quantum technology threatens to render ineffective the encryption methods we use today. While the threat quantum computers pose to classical cryptography is at present merely theoretical, it is clear that current cryptosystems will need to be replaced by post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as soon as possible. The EU-funded PQ-REACT project was launched in 2023 to tackle the challenges of PQC. Its main objective is to design, develop and validate a framework for a faster and simpler transition from classical cryptography to PQC for a broad spectrum of contexts and usage domains. The framework will incorporate PQC migration routes, cryptographic agility techniques and a toolkit for validating post-quantum cryptographic systems.
The first call
To further its objective, PQ-REACT has planned two open calls, the first of which, Open Call #1-DEVELOP, was launched on 1 August 2024. Through the first open call, it invites PQC enthusiasts to showcase their innovative solutions addressing the specific challenges of PQ-REACT in terms of PQC computational complexity and energy efficiency. Applications are welcome from start-ups, SMEs, universities, research centres, NGOs and foundations. Applicants can choose one of four use cases on which to develop their proposal. They are smart grid meters (Pilot 1), 5G and 6G architectures (Pilot 2), Context Agility Manager (PQC benchmarking) (Pilot 3) and Eclipse-Qrisp for PQC (Pilot 4). The winning proposals will be tested in the project’s pilot use cases: applying quantum-resistant crypto to smart grid deployments, applying PQC and quantum key distribution to next-generation networks, and using PQC algorithms in ledgers for the establishment of agreements between various network providers.
Info days
PQ-REACT has so far held two info days to assist potential applicants. The first info day provided specific information on the Context Agility Manager and Eclipse-Qrisp for PQC use cases, while the second info day focused on the 5G and 6G architectures and Smart Energy Meters use cases. The six pilot winners of the PQ-REACT (Post Quantum Cryptography Framework for Energy Aware Contexts) project’s open call will each receive EUR 50 000. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2024. For more information, please see: PQ-REACT project website
Keywords
PQ-REACT, cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, quantum