Thales Takes an Active Role in OPENQKD, the European Research Project That Will Set up Quantum Communication Infrastructures in Several European Countries
27.11.2019 02:18:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
Thales has been an active participant in quantum technology research for several years already. For instance, Thales research centers are working on subjects ranging from quantum sensors and quantum measurement instruments, to quantum communication as well as various building blocks of quantum computers
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191126005900/en/
Quantum communication infrastructure being developed in Europe (Photo: Thales)
It was therefore only natural that Thales join the AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology) consortium, chosen by the European Commission to conduct its OPENQKD project, the forerunner to a major European quantum communication infrastructure. Its primary objective is to drastically strengthen security for critical applications in telecommunications, finance, healthcare, electricity supply and public services. In a subsequent phase, it will support the networking of quantum computers, which heralds a new type of Internet. Budgeted at 15 million euros, this is the only project of its type in the world. The consortium led by AIT is composed of 38 companies and research organizations across the continent as partners.
OPENQKD aims to change the way we perceive, understand and use quantum communication. Its main goal is to create and test European components of communication networks that include quantum devices, to implement applications such as quantum cryptography (Quantum Key Distribution, QKD). The keys generated by QKD provide ultra-secure encryption to transmit data with a very high level of confidentiality.
Thales is making two main contributions to this project, one on land, the other in space. The former entails providing encryption equipment compatible with QKD for terrestrial networks, with the aim of creating a European center of expertise in this area. Secondly, Thales will define the space segment of a quantum communication network, because these types of networks will need satellites to provide coverage across entire countries or continents.
To learn more about the OPENQKD project, click here.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto).
Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations — connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity — technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.
PLEASE VISIT
Thales Group
Market page
Download HD photos
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191126005900/en/
Contact information
PRESS CONTACT
Thales, Media Relations
Ground Transportation Systems
Chrystelle Dugimont
+33 (0)6 25 15 72 93
chrystelle.dugimont@thalesgroup.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
ProAmpac Pushes the Limits of Fiber Packaging with New High Barrier Packaging Innovation Platform17.2.2026 19:08:00 EET | Press release
ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, announces the expansion of its ProActive Recyclable® RP-2000 High Barrier Series. This curbside recyclable, fiber-based packaging platform is designed to help brands transition away from traditional non-recyclable high-barrier multilayer structures, such as paper/foil, paper/metalized polyethylene terephthalate (METPET), and certain film laminations. The RP-2000 platform provides strong barriers to oxygen and moisture, making it well-suited for sensitive dry food products such as oatmeal, granola, cereal, spices, snacks, dried fruits, and nuts. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217779741/en/ ProAmpac's RP-2000MHB Series “Supporting the growing Fiberization of Packaging® movement, and as adoption of fiber-based structures accelerates, it is critical that ProAmpac continues to expand the functional performance envelope of paper-based material
ChipAgents Raises $74M to Scale an Agentic AI Platform to Accelerate Chip Design17.2.2026 17:00:00 EET | Press release
ChipAgents, the category leader for Agentic AI platforms in the semiconductor design industry, announced it has closed an oversubscribed $50 million Series A1 funding round, bringing total capital raised to $74 million. The round was led by Matter Venture Partners, a TSMC-backed HardTech VC firm, with participation from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, Micron, MediaTek, and Ericsson. As part of the investment, Wen Hsieh, Founding Managing Partner of Matter VP, will join ChipAgents' Board of Directors, bringing over two decades of expertise and relationships in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Building the AI Workforce for Chip Design Companies This new capital will enable ChipAgents to aggressively scale its Agentic AI platform, expand its engineering and research organization, and accelerate global deployment of multi-agent chip teams. ChipAgents is building the foundational AI infrastructure for chip design, with coordinated AI Agents that can plan, reason, execut
Toshiba Showcases End-to-End Innovations Shaping What’s Next in Retail at EuroShop 202617.2.2026 16:45:00 EET | Press release
At EuroShop 2026, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions will showcase how retailers across Europe are using scalable, sustainable innovation to address today’s challenges and build what’s next. Exhibiting in Hall 6, Booth C41 from the 22nd to 26th February, Toshiba will demonstrate technologies designed to evolve with retailers, empowering flexibility, resilience, and long-term growth, and prepare them for what’s next. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216755053/en/ At EuroShop, we’re showing how Toshiba empowers retailers across all segments to transform with confidence by scaling intelligent solutions to deliver lasting impact. “Retailers are under pressure to move faster, operate more efficiently, and deliver better experiences than ever before. At EuroShop, we’re showing how Toshiba empowers retailers across all segments to transform with confidence by scaling intelligent, solutions to deliver lasting impact,
Andersen Consulting Expands Executive Talent Capabilities With Lansdowne Executive Search17.2.2026 16:30:00 EET | Press release
Andersen Consulting strengthens its human capital practice through a Collaboration Agreement with Lansdowne Executive Search, a Dublin-based firm specializing in executive search, interim management and board level appointments. Founded in 2015, Lansdowne Executive Search is an Irish-owned firm, delivering C-level executive search, fractional executives, and board placement services. As a partner-led, boutique practice, Lansdowne is known for the deep involvement of senior leadership in all client engagements. Lansdowne helps clients navigate complex leadership transitions and growth strategies across a wide range of sectors including financial services, construction, nonprofit, agriculture, higher education, public sector, and TMT. “Great leadership is contextual and getting it right means understanding far more than just a resume,” said Tom Keane, partner at Lansdowne Executive Search. “Collaborating with Andersen Consulting gives us the scale and access to expertise we need to conti
Caidya Names Michael Clay COO to Drive Operational Excellence and Advance Multi-Regional Clinical Development17.2.2026 16:10:00 EET | Press release
Caidya, a leading global, mid-sized CRO focused on accelerating clinical development for innovative biopharmaceutical companies, today announced the appointment of Michael Clay as chief operating officer (COO). Clay will lead Caidya’s global operational delivery, client engagement model, and execution strategy, further strengthening the company’s ability to serve innovative biopharma sponsors across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217431202/en/ Michael Clay, Caidya's Chief Operating Officer Clay brings a distinguished track record in global project delivery and site relationship strategy. He has led large-scale global programs across 60+ countries and built high-performing delivery organizations known for operational rigor and sponsor trust. Notably, Clay has extensive leadership experience across Asia-Pacific, where speed, regulatory nuance, and close site collaboration
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom