Company · Bristol
KETS Quantum Security, a University of Bristol spin-out based in Kingswood, makes chip-based quantum key distribution (QKD) systems and quantum random number generators. BT has trialled its server-sized QKD v2.0 unit. In April 2026 Nokia added the unit to the travelling quantum-safe demonstration kit it shows to operators and governments, and in September 2026 KETS showed it exchanging keys with Cisco routers running IOS XR. UK projects include the BT-led QAssure work on QKD assurance and the IQN quantum networks hub.
KETS Quantum Security is a Bristol company working on quantum communications, qkd and post quantum cryptography, founded in 2016. It is a partner in 5 UK projects, including IQN, QAssure and The Quantum Data Centre of the Future. People profiled here include Chris Erven (Founder and Chief Commercial Officer) and Lisa Matthews (CEO).
Sources: KETS Quantum Security · 'Game changer' technology scoops top prize in the New Enterprise Competition | University of Bristol · Nokia and KETS collaborate to scale quantum-safe security | Intelligent CIO · KETS chip-based QKD now works with Cisco's network routers | Quantum Zeitgeist · QAssure | UKRI Gateway to Research
IQN
A national research hub building quantum networks, from local links to satellite connections. Heriot-Watt University leads it.
Role: Partner
Funding: £21.9m
Themes: Networks, Communications
A BT-led consortium developing ways to assure the security and reliability of quantum key distribution systems.
Role: Partner
Themes: Communications, Networks
An ORCA-led consortium that designed and demonstrated how a quantum computer could sit inside a data centre alongside classical systems.
Role: Partner
Themes: Computing, Communications, Networks
The phase 2 national hub for quantum communications, led by the University of York. The hub's work ran from 2019 to 2024.
Role: Partner
Funding: £23.5m
Themes: Communications, Networks
AQuaSeC
A Toshiba-led consortium that built prototype quantum-safe communication systems. It combined quantum key distribution with quantum-resistant algorithms.
Role: Partner
Themes: Communications, Networks
Recent articles from Quantum Zeitgeist that mention KETS Quantum Security.
Cisco and KETS Quantum Security announced the successful integration of KETS’ chip-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology with Cisco’s IOS XR-based routing infrastructure. This partnership is a significant step toward scalable, quantum-secure networking for enterprise and critical infrastru
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
The uk quantum adjacent companies build the technology that makes quantum computing possible without building the quantum computers themselves, from the cryogenics that cool the chips to the lasers, photonic components, sensors and security hardware around them. Britain is unusually strong in this e
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
UK quantum computing companies: Quantinuum’s Nasdaq listing, OQC’s 260 million pound round, Oxford Ionics under IonQ, Riverlane, Quantum Motion and the rest of the British stack.
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
We have gathered over 400 quantum companies from around the globe into one place. From quantum start-ups to well-established companies, the list often includes written-about entities such as Xanadu, IBM, and Microsoft, but also includes newer start-ups and scale-ups who are popping up to tackle ever
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
Research, commercial and investment relationships, by year. Partners with a profile here are linked.
Cisco Integration 2026
Crypta Labs Commercial 2026
Recorded on Crypta Labs's profile.
Nokia Integration 2026
BT Group Research 2022
Parkwalk Advisors Investment 2021
Recorded on Parkwalk Advisors's profile.
CryptoNext Security Strategic 2019
Quantum Communications Hub Research 2017
Recorded on Quantum Communications Hub's profile.
University of Bristol Research 2016
Control hardware · Available
Quantum network · Available
Other · Available
Chosen by shared specialisms, then location and type.
Company · London · 3 shared specialisms
Company · London · 3 shared specialisms
Company · London · 3 shared specialisms
Start-up · Cambridge · 3 shared specialisms
Company data from Entangled Future. News from Quantum Zeitgeist. Last checked 2 October 2026.
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