Toshiba Launches Quantum Key Distribution System Business; Will Be Exhibited at IQT Europe Oct 26-30

(HPC.Wire) Toshiba Corporation today announced it will start providing quantum key distribution (QKD) platforms and commence deployment of a system integration business in the fourth quarter of FY2020. In Japan, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (TDSL) has been awarded the contract from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) to deploy and manage the QKD systems that will be installed at multiple locations on their network. Toshiba plans to deliver the system in the fourth quarter of FY2020 and the deployment will start to roll out from April 2021.
These technologies will be exhibited at IQT Europe, October 26-30.
Outside of Japan, Toshiba Europe Ltd., in collaboration with BT Group plc., has enabled the UK’s first industrial deployment of a quantum-secure network between two industry-leading organizations and began joint verification from September 16, 2020. In the US, Toshiba has participated in the recent QKD demonstration by Verizon Communications Inc. in alliance with Quantum Xchange., announced by Verizon on September 3. From FY2021, the company will collaborate with regional business partners not only in the UK and the US, but also in Europe and Asia, to promote the QKD system integration businesses worldwide.
In order to promote the businesses, the company introduces two types of quantum key distribution platforms. First is its innovative multiplexing platform that allows the data and the quantum keys to be transmitted on the same fiber, eliminating the need for costly dedicated infrastructure for key distribution. The other is the platform for long-distance applications that maximizes speed and distance of key delivery.
These technologies will be exhibited at CEATEC 2020 ONLINE, October 20-23, and at IQT Europe, October 26-30.
The company has developed a manufacturing base in Cambridge, UK, and will begin providing the platform products to specific users as early as the third quarter of FY 2020. Toshiba plans to build a QKD network in Japan and other countries by FY 2025 and launch a QKD service for organizations focusing on financial institutions.