* Bringing together quantum science and satellite engineering for secure worldwide data exchange

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), part of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has formed a new collaboration with Honeywell to develop satellite communication systems strengthened by quantum-secure technologies, ensuring greater protection for sensitive data transmitted across global networks.

As advances in quantum computing accelerate, traditional cryptographic methods face increasing threats. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is emerging as a robust, long-term solution, harnessing the quantum characteristics of light to generate encryption keys that remain secure even in the face of advanced interception attempts and emerging computational capabilities.

Under the agreement, Honeywell's 'QKDSat' technology will be linked to TII's ground-based Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station (ADQOGS) to test and demonstrate end-to-end QKD communication between satellites and Earth-based quantum infrastructure. The initiative marks a pivotal step toward creating quantum-resilient communication systems for government, security agencies and commercial operators worldwide.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: "This collaboration is a significant step toward building global quantum-secure networks in the UAE and beyond. It brings together Honeywell's track record in aerospace innovation and TII's expertise in quantum technologies to address one of the most pressing challenges of the digital era: how we protect our most critical information in a quantum-powered future."

Lisa Napolitano, Vice President and General Manager, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, added: "Turning quantum science into operational capability requires proven space engineering. Honeywell's heritage in secure satellite systems allows us to take these concepts from laboratory testing to real-world missions. Teaming up with TII ensures that together we're advancing technologies that can deliver trusted, quantum-secure communications on a global scale."

Developed by TII, ADQOGS is designed to support a wide range of quantum communication experiments from orbit, enabling encryption keys to be transferred through quantum-encoded light particles. Integrating this infrastructure with Honeywell's QKDSat will allow practical validation of long-distance QKD under real satellite conditions, surpassing the limitations imposed by ground-based fibre, and paving the way for global-scale secure quantum networks.

This collaboration reinforces both organisations' dedication to advancing next-generation secure communication technologies and highlights Abu Dhabi's growing influence as a global centre for cyber resilience and quantum research.

source:newsreleases.co.uk