Quantum communication: Prompt x Numana

The call for projects aims to support industrial initiatives designed to explore and test, under real conditions on the Kirq Testbed, secure quantum communication and data transport solutions that meet the challenges of resilience, sovereignty and the transition to the post-quantum era.

Projects submitted must demonstrate a concrete industrial use case, and may involve hardware, software or hybrid approaches, including post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution or their integration into existing network architectures.

It focuses on solving key technological and infrastructural challenges such as :

• Limited transmission distance;
• The need for reliable quantum repeaters;
• Photon detectors are expensive and fragile;
• Immature quantum memory solutions;
• The complexity of integrating quantum systems with classical networks.

The initiative aligns Prompt’s public funding, industrial needs and world-class infrastructure to strengthen Quebec and Canada’s leadership in quantum communications.

• Stimulate experimentation in quantum communications with Kirq;
• Accelerate the commercialization of innovative solutions;
• Test interoperability and safety in real-life environments;
• Strengthen the Quebec ecosystem by mobilizing startups, SMEs, researchers and major corporations;
• Train qualified human resources.

• Maximum assistance is $500,000 per project for up to 3 years;
• The letter of intent must be submitted no later than February 26, 2026.

Kirq is an experimental and prototyping platform for companies and researchers, supporting the development and validation of quantum communication technologies under real-life conditions.

Main capabilities :

• Fiber optic infrastructure (multi-hub infrastructure in Montreal, Sherbrooke and Quebec City);
• Quantum key distribution (QKD) systems;
• Conventional high-performance transmission (DWDM);
• Integrated key management software;
• Safety Hardware Modules (HSM);
• Complete IT infrastructure (servers, firewalls, secure networks).

In the field of quantum communication, Kirq addresses key areas such as :

• QKD (quantum key distribution);
• QSDC;
• Intricate;
• QRNG;
• Satellite communication;
• PQC (post-quantum cryptography);
• Future quantum Internet.