BTQ Technologies Corp., a company at the forefront of quantum technology with a focus on safeguarding critical network infrastructures, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Quandela SAS, a French firm known for its expertise in photonic quantum computing. This strategic alignment is set to explore how advances in quantum computing can contribute to the evolution of blockchain technology, especially in the realm of security and energy efficiency.
The partnership revolves around BTQ’s innovative Quantum Sampling Proof-of-Work (QSPoW) protocol, a next-generation mechanism designed to validate blockchain transactions more securely and with significantly less energy than traditional methods. By leveraging quantum processes such as boson sampling, this protocol offers an alternative to conventional Proof-of-Work (PoW) systems, which have long been criticized for their excessive energy consumption.
Joint Research and Technological Integration
Under the agreed terms, BTQ and Quandela will collaborate on multiple research fronts. These include practical applications for Quandela’s photonic quantum computing capabilities, particularly its boson-sampling technologies, which will be tested through the company’s cloud-based Perceval platform. The partners intend to evaluate how the results from both simulated and experimental quantum computations perform within the QSPoW testnet environment maintained by BTQ. Depending on the findings, the companies may explore options for commercial deployment.
Boson sampling, the core mechanism behind QSPoW, involves photons traveling through an optical network to create results that are difficult to predict and reproduce using conventional computers. Because these outputs cannot be easily calculated by non-quantum machines, this technique is inherently resistant to the power-hungry ASICs commonly used in traditional blockchain mining. The quantum nature of this process also enhances security, potentially shielding digital assets like Bitcoin from future threats posed by quantum computing.
Addressing Quantum Risks to Digital Assets
The looming threat of quantum computing to conventional cryptographic systems has gained increased attention, particularly in financial and blockchain circles. BlackRock, in a recent update to its S-1 filing, reportedly acknowledged that transitioning to quantum-proof cryptographic protocols could be complex and uncertain, potentially requiring significant consensus among the Bitcoin community. Without such a transition, the security of existing blockchain systems may become vulnerable to attacks by quantum-enabled adversaries.
As of now, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies rely heavily on cryptographic methods and Proof-of-Work protocols that might become obsolete in the face of maturing quantum technology. BTQ’s QSPoW aims to provide a robust defense against such scenarios, not only preserving the integrity of blockchain networks but also doing so with reduced energy requirements compared to traditional mining operations.
Custom Data and Future Integration Plans
As part of the ongoing collaboration, Quandela is expected to supply data sets customized to BTQ’s operational needs. These will include both simulated quantum results and, where feasible, outcomes from live experiments. BTQ will employ this data to conduct performance assessments of its QSPoW protocol and share insights with Quandela. The partnership also plans to address the challenge of minimizing quantum processing errors and will evaluate the potential integration of Quandela’s Belenos quantum processor into future iterations of the protocol.
Leadership from both organizations expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. BTQ’s CEO indicated that the agreement reflected a shared vision of bringing real-world utility to quantum hardware and software. He noted that the partnership represented a key opportunity to validate the QSPoW framework and establish a new standard for blockchain security. Quandela’s leadership similarly emphasized that the collaboration underscored the flexibility and applicability of its photonic quantum platform in the development of advanced cryptographic systems.
The MOU serves as a foundation for continuous cooperation, with provisions for knowledge exchange and the possibility of publicizing any scientific or commercial achievements that emerge from the joint efforts.
