Quantum cryptography technology wins top prize in New Enterprise Competition

New quantum technology to ensure data is secure has won the University of Bristol’s equivalent to Dragon’s Den and a share of over £35,000 in prize money, the University reports.

KETS, a company formed by Dr Chris Erven, Dr Jake Kennard, Phil Sibson and Professor Mark Thompson, uses quantum cryptography to improve data encryption – ensuring information is safe in all situations, from bank transactions to critical infrastructure, not forgetting individuals shopping online from home.

Their concept beat 103 entries to scoop the top prize in Bristol University’s New Enterprise Competition, which was judged by a panel of industry experts.

The team won £10,000 in cash, £2,000 worth of legal support and a year in the Bristol SETsquared Centre – the University’s business incubator – to help develop the technology further, explore potential use and other matters.

KETS is the culmination of over two years work from a team of researchers based in the University’s Centre for Quantum Photonics.

The team describes the technology as a ‘game changer’ because it uses new quantum methods to ensure the most sophisticated and secure communications.

Dr Erven said: “It’s fantastic to win and the judging panel were very receptive to our pitch. It’s really starting to snowball now and this extra investment and support will make a huge difference. KETS technology will provide for secure communications in a fundamentally new way.”

Dr Kennard added: “It’s been a real team effort, building on all the excellent work which has been going on in Bristol for the last 10 years. We’re the first of hopefully many spin-outs to come from the Centre for Quantum Photonics at the University of Bristol, focusing on building devices that real people will use.”