Start-up Quantum Optics Jena (QOJ) presents for the first time live quantum encryption at the Leipzig data center

Read the full press report at: 2024-11-25-PM_QOJ_Datacenter_Leipzig_engl.pdf

Jena, November 25, 2024 - The start-up Quantum Optics Jena (QOJ) demonstrated its tap proof quantum encryption in front of an expert audience on November 19, 2024, together with the regional network operator and telecommunications service provider envia TEL. This was uncharted territory for QOJ and envia TEL: it was the first time that a quantum technology provider and a DE-CIX node had worked together in Germany to demonstrate quantum cryptography live in action.   

In front of 30 invited guests from industry, research and federal and state institutions, QOJ demonstrated the transmission of quantum states over a 60-kilometer fiber link between two envia TEL sites. The generation, transmission and use of quantum keys for tap-proof encryption of digital information was demonstrated. A VPN connection was used for this purpose, which reconfigured itself with a new quantum key every minute. The keys were generated and transmitted in real time. The use of digital keys in a High Security Module (HSM), which can store and manage quantum key material, for example in critical infrastructures (KRITIS), was also demonstrated. 

Technology has grown out of the lab

With this demonstration, QOJ and envia TEL have proven that quantum cryptography can be used in real infrastructures - and not just under laboratory conditions. In quantum cryptography, digital keys are generated by individual particles of light (quanta); these are secured by the fact that any attempt to view them from outside measures the quantum properties and can no longer be sent in an identical state. This allows attackers to be specifically identified. The audience experienced the generation of the entangled light particles through to the detection and derivation of secure key material and the use of the key material in a VPN network (Virtual Private Network). 
Kevin Füchsel, CEO at QOJ, was delighted with the successful demonstration: “We have proven 
that quantum encryption is now ready for production. Together with our partner envia TEL, we were able to demonstrate the application under real conditions at a German internet node.” Dirk Schüppel, Head of Corporate Development / Digitalization at envia TEL, adds: “Quantum encryption will revolutionize the technologies currently in use and enable tap proof communication. We are delighted to be one of the first telecommunications companies to support Quantum Optics Jena in the introduction and implementation of this pioneering technology in Central Germany.” 

....Read the full press report at: 2024-11-25-PM_QOJ_Datacenter_Leipzig_engl.pdf