Our Vision : Quantum. Trust Enabled for the Future
Our Mission : ID Quantique (IDQ) harnesses light to develop and industrialize advanced quantum products and technologies for organizations to ensure long-term protection of data and public safety.
A global leader in Quantum-Safe Security and Quantum Detection Systems
ID Quantique is a global company with offices and engineering labs located around the world. Continuous passion, a strong focus on innovation and the flexibility and experience of a dedicated team have allowed IDQ to establish itself as a leader in the fields of quantum-safe cryptography, scientific instrumentation and random number generation. IDQ is dedicated to remaining the global leader in Quantum Detection Systems & Quantum Cryptography solutions. Its products are used by governments, enterprises, and industrial customers and by academic research labs in more than 60 countries and on every continent.
IDQ is organized in two business units:
Quantum-Safe Security
ID Quantique provides high-performance quantum-safe security solutions for the protection of data in transit. By upgrading existing network encryption products with Quantum Key Distribution (aka quantum cryptography), IDQ ensures that the solutions are “quantum-safe”. This ensures the long-term protection of sensitive data into and beyond the quantum era when quantum computers will render most of today’s conventional encryption algorithms vulnerable.
IDQ also develops and commercializes random number generators based on quantum physics, which are the reference for true randomness in several industries, including security, simulations and gaming.
Quantum Detection Systems
ID Quantique provides photon counting solutions for the visible and near infrared regions of the optical spectrum, pulsed laser sources, counting & timing electronics and photonic sensing solutions for both industrial and research applications in various domains such as Quantum Physics, Communication, Bio and Material Sciences, Defense and Security, Oil & Gas, etc. With 20 years of experience and from OEM to integrated solutions, IDQ’s range of products helps customers to solve complex scientific and industrial problems with state-of-the-art tools and instrumentation combined with real-world experience.
In addition, IDQ is committed to establish standards in the emerging quantum industry, and is working with several organizations such as ETSI, ITU to bring standardization and assure quality across the industry.
Company history
ID Quantique is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and has sales offices as well as engineering, development and research labs located around the world (Geneva, Switzerland – Boston, USA – Seoul, South Korea). Our highly experienced teams are dedicated to working hand in hand with customers, distributors solution providers and partners.
The company was created in Geneva, Switzerland in 2001 by four scientists from the University of Geneva who anticipated the important forthcoming impact of quantum physics on information technology. It initially operated as a small university spin-off, working on research projects to demonstrate the feasibility of quantum key distribution (or QKD, better known as quantum cryptography). In late 2003, IDQ developed the first QKD products for data centers and conducted the first test implementations. From 2010 onwards IDQ rolled out quantum-safe crypto solutions in both commercial and government markets worldwide.
In 2016 IDQ raised additional capital from strategic investors, including South Korean telecommunications’ giant SK Telecom, with whom the company developed the world’s smallest Quantum Random Number Generator based on technology and know-how licensed from IDQ.
More recently in April 2018, ID Quantique raised US$ 65 million from SK Telecom to further develop IDQ’s quantum technologies for the telecom and IoT markets. German telecommunications’ operator Deutsche Telecom also invested the same year. These investments have strengthened ID Quantique’s position as the global leader in quantum safe cryptography and quantum detection solutions. It also supports IDQ’s continued development of global markets and partnerships.
An innovator in quantum technologies
ID Quantique has a global footprint through its R&D partnerships with leading companies and R&D institutions. It maintains close ties with academic institutions by participating in several Swiss, European and Korean R&D programs and plays a leading role in cutting-edge projects to drive innovation to the market. The company has over 40 engineers with over 500 years of accrued experience in the highly multi-disciplinary fields required to transform quantum technologies into industrialized products. IDQ maintains its leadership role by continuously developing and expanding its patent portfolio with new technologies that are complementary to its core businesses. The growing number of patents IDQ holds is a testament to its commitment to innovation.
Although the company is evolving fast, the original founders still play leading roles – Dr. Grégoire Ribordy is CEO and Vice Chairman of the board, and Prof. Nicolas Gisin, head of the Group of Applied Physics in the University of Geneva, is Chairman of the board.
Awards and honours
The company has received several Swiss and international awards in recognition for its breakthrough technology and product achievements and for its pioneering spirit.
It has released several world premieres, including the first-ever deployment of quantum key distribution in a live network environment, the first deployment of QKD over a multiplexed network for commercial clients, the longest-running quantum crypto installation (since 2007) and participated to the demonstration of the longest QKD distance to date (421 kilometers).
In October 2017, ID Quantique’s co-founders Professors Nicolas Gisin, Hugo Zbinden and also current CEO and founder Grégoire Ribordy, were awarded the prestigious Medal of Innovation by the University of Geneva. In September 2019, ID Quantique was awarded the “Innovation Prize” from the Geneva State, the CCIG (Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services) and the OPI (Promotional office for Industry and Technology), in recognition of its pioneering work in quantum technologies.
