AQuaSeC: Agile Quantum Safe Communications
A Toshiba-led consortium that built prototype quantum-safe communication systems. It combined quantum key distribution with quantum-resistant algorithms.
Project data last updated 11 October 2026
About this project
AQuaSeC ran from November 2018 to August 2021. It aimed to build flexible, low-cost prototypes for quantum-safe networks, to grow a UK supply chain for quantum communication components, and to set up a UK route for security evaluation and certification.
In October 2020 BT and Toshiba used the project to install a quantum key distribution link between the National Composites Centre and the Centre for Modelling and Simulation in Bristol.
Who leads it
Lead organisation
Toshiba Europe
Company · Cambridge
Cambridge-based maker of quantum key distribution systems, supplier to BT's London quantum-secured network and partner in the Integrated Quantum Networks hub.
Partners (12)
Bay Photonics
Company · Paignton
BP
Company · London
BT Group
Company · London
Heriot-Watt University
University · Edinburgh
IQE
Company · Cardiff
KETS Quantum Security
Company · Bristol
NPL
Research organisation · Teddington
Queen's University Belfast
University · Belfast
Royal Holloway, University of London
University · Egham
University of Cambridge
University · Cambridge
University of Glasgow
University · Glasgow
University of Sheffield
University · Sheffield
Funders
Innovate UK
Funder · Swindon
UK Research and Innovation
Funder · Swindon
In the news
Quantum Zeitgeist articles naming the lead organisation or partners. They may not be about this project.
Researchers Bound Extended Source Imaging Error by 74%, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
A weighted variance just 7% from fundamental limits demonstrates how entangled photons can dramatically outperform conventional optical interferometry. Previously restricted to single or dual telescopes, this work extends that advantage to M-station arrays, achieving roughly ten times better perform
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
Researchers Detect Relationships in Quantum Data with 15% Greater Accuracy, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
Perfect test accuracy was achieved on a two-state quantum system using just 500 measurements. This contrasts with existing methods which struggle as complexity increases, requiring substantially more computational effort for even simple tasks. An adaptive learning framework utilising photonic system
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
Florida International University to get IonQ’s 256-qubit computer by late 2027, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
Florida International University will gain access to the IonQ Superion system, a 256-qubit quantum computer, by late 2027.
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
IonQ tests quantum AI on real satellite image data, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
IonQ researchers tested a quantum generative machine learning model on satellite radar data, revealing potential for insights where classical methods struggle.
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
Sources
- Gateway to Research: Agile Quantum Safe Communications (AQuaSec) (gtr.ukri.org)
- Quantum Communications Hub: AQuaSeC: Agile Quantum Safe Communications (quantumcommshub.net)
- Quantum Zeitgeist: UK's First Quantum-Secure Industrial Network Launched (quantumzeitgeist.com)
Related projects
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Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications
SPOQC
A UK CubeSat mission to test quantum key distribution between a satellite and a ground station in Edinburgh.
Led by Heriot-Watt University
Themes: Communications, Networks
- Active Hub · 2024 to 2029
Integrated Quantum Networks Quantum Technology Research Hub
IQN
A national research hub building quantum networks, from local links to satellite connections. Heriot-Watt University leads it.
Led by Heriot-Watt University
Funding: £21.9m
Themes: Networks, Communications
- Active Mission · 2023 to 2035
Quantum Mission 2: Quantum networks
Mission 2
A government goal that by 2035 the UK will have deployed the world's most advanced quantum network at scale.
Led by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Themes: Networks, Communications