Sheffield, UK — 16 April 2025 — Aegiq, the UK-based photonic quantum solutions provider, in collaboration with BT Group and Innovate UK’s Small Business Research Initiative scheme, has demonstrated QLAS (Quantum Link Assurance System) — a technology for real-time, tamper-proof security trials on deployed fibre at BT’s Adastral Park.
With nearly 100% of global internet traffic being carried by fibre, the security of communications is a key priority for telecoms providers. And with the quantum computing era coming fast, this will bring new challenges to today’s encryption with risks of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks.
QLAS has been designed to help protect infrastructure providers like BT and their customers against evolving threats to data in transit, offering a practical and easily deployable technology that supports quantum-ready connectivity while unlocking significant operational efficiencies.
“Addressing the threat to data security is critical – from Telecommunications and National Security to Healthcare and Finance,” said Chris Porthouse, CPO at Aegiq. “Through our collaboration with BT we have been able to demonstrate how QLAS can detect an attack to an incredible level of accuracy in real time, allowing immediate action to be taken”.
At the core of QLAS is a set of quantum-inspired technologies and algorithms, developed by Aegiq and informed by its extensive knowledge and experience in quantum technologies. QLAS is designed to be easily deployable on existing infrastructure, operating over long distances even with multiple optical amplifiers, and is complementary to any data encryption and securing methods, including Post Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Alongside tamper detection, it also enables cost savings by providing early and accurate detection of faults or degradation, helping to reduce downtime, meet service level agreements and improve user experience.
Andrew Lord, Head of optical networks and quantum research, BT commented: “As the UK’s leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications, security is a key priority. We’re excited to be working with Aegiq to trial their Quantum Link Assurance System (QLAS) prototype solution, supported by Innovate UK’s SBRI scheme. QLAS is a key technology in helping to assure the physical links used in quantum networks as well as regular optical systems. As we move towards a quantum enabled economy, emerging solutions like this will be critical towards building next generation security on fibre networks and accelerating the commercial adoption of quantum secure communications.”
By combining Aegiq’s quantum expertise with BT’s operational knowledge, QLAS has the potential to be deployed in the future as a tool to transform network infrastructure resilience to the evolving threats in a dynamically changing global environment.
About Aegiq
Aegiq, founded in 2019, is a UK-based company specialising in quantum computing technologies, built on over 20 years of research at The University of Sheffield. They develop photonic quantum computers and quantum networking applications, aiming to deliver practical quantum solutions across various industries. Their products include component modules, hardware systems, and quantum software, all designed for reliable deployment at scale.
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