TÜV NORD GROUP launches QKD research laboratory: A milestone for the future of secure quantum communication

TÜV Informationstechnik (TÜVIT), a TÜV NORD GROUP company, has given the go-ahead for the construction of a state-of-the-art QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) laboratory. After a year of intensive planning and development, the construction of the research laboratory, which will play a central role in the future certification of quantum communication technologies, has now begun.
In an increasingly digitalised world, where the security of data transmissions is of crucial importance, quantum communication offers a revolutionary solution. While future quantum computers could potentially jeopardise traditional encryption methods, quantum key exchange (QKD) represents a future-proof alternative. This technology makes it possible to transmit information with an unprecedented level of security by being based on the principles of physical laws.
The project "Blueprint of a certification eco-system for QKD systems and applications" (QuNET+BlueCert) aims to create the technological basis for the testing, qualification and certification of QKD components and systems. "Our aim is to research the fundamentals of an exemplary test laboratory that will enable the testing of QKD components and thus lay the foundation for the future certification of QKD devices," explains Sven Bettendorf, project manager of the QKD laboratory project at TÜVIT. "We are working closely with national and international partners to develop the necessary test procedures and evaluation metrics," continues Bettendorf.
The establishment of the QKD research laboratory is one of TÜVIT's largest investment projects, with a total volume of over half a million euros. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is supporting the project financially. "This investment is a clear commitment to the innovative strength of the TÜV NORD GROUP and to strengthening German industry in the field of quantum communication," says Bettendorf.
The laboratory will be equipped with state-of-the-art laser technology to simulate realistic attack scenarios and research standardisable procedures for testing the security of QKD systems. "We want to ensure that these systems meet the highest security standards and are protected against potential attacks," emphasises Bettendorf. The research laboratory at the site will be one of the first of its kind in Europe and will set new standards for the future testing and certification of quantum communication technologies.
The results of the project should not only strengthen acceptance and trust in quantum communication technology, but also enable German industry to play a leading role in this promising field. "We are proud to be part of this ground-breaking development and look forward to helping shape the future of secure communication," says Bettendorf.

Partner of the project: BearingPoint GmbH, Frankfurt am Main - TÜV Informationstechnik GmbH - Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen - Pixel Photonics GmbH, Münster - Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig - Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik (IOF), Jena - Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte und Integrierte Sicherheit (AISEC), Standort Berlin - Fraunhofer-Institut für Nachrichtentechnik, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI), Berlin - Quantum Optics Jena GmbH, Jena (associated partner) - Quantum Space Systems GmbH, München (associated partner)

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