Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • QinetiQ to sell QKD patent portfolio to Qubitekk

Security

QinetiQ to sell QKD patent portfolio to Qubitekk

QinetiQ Ltd. has signed an agreement to sell its entire Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) patent portfolio to Qubitekk Inc., with the portfolio including 57 patent filings (across 17 patent families), covering novel technological approaches in quantum science, particularly relating to security.


Courtesy QinetiQ

One of the focus technologies in the portfolio allows QKD to be used across long distances. QKD has a potential to significantly advance data security, cybersecurity and end-to-end encryption. QinetiQ patent portfolio further encompasses a way to scale up QKD from a local area to a planet-wide distribution, without having to wait for a Quantum Repeater or a Satellite to be built.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Qubitekk, based in California, USA, is the world’s first company dedicated to commercialising Quantum Entanglement Sources required to speed the adoption of quantum computing and cryptography applications, making the patent portfolio purchase a logical fit.

This portfolio offers an effective way to accelerate the introduction of global QKD. The alternate approach, using a Quantum Repeater, is currently estimated to be 10 years from actualisation. With this portfolio, Quibitekk are accelerating the ability for communications networks and infrastructure to be secured before quantum computers and repeaters become reality.

Thierry Le Gall, QinetiQ IP Exploitation Manager said: “We are pleased to have agreed the assignment of our QKD patent portfolio to Qubitekk, an ideal and innovative partner to further enhance and exploit our quantum cryptography inventions. Quantum is very important to us and we are furthering research into other areas of Quantum science to ensure that QinetiQ IP is used to positively accelerate the industry and ensure the security of customers and consumers globally.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Dr Duncan Earl, CTO and President of Qubitekk added: “The patent portfolio we acquired from QinetiQ along with our current holdings of quantum patents will make Qubitekk one of the largest quantum patent holders in the United States.  We are encouraged with the opportunities this will give Qubitekk in the marketplace.”

US broker Adapt IP Ventures forged a relationship between QinetiQ and Qubitekk, to enable the sale of the entire QKD portfolio.

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Lightfoot International joins Nordic Climate Group in UK

Defence Security

Lightfoot International joins Nordic Climate Group in UK

11 June 2026

Nordic Climate Group has acquired Lightfoot International, a specialist provider of cooling solutions for defence and industrial applications.

SIA publishes new strategic plan

Security

SIA publishes new strategic plan

11 June 2026

The SIA has published its new three year Strategic Plan 2026-29, covering its upcoming expanded remit, as well as its Business Plan 2026-27, focusing on delivery over the next year.

PoliceAI to speed up investigations and crimefighting

Security

PoliceAI to speed up investigations and crimefighting

10 June 2026

Officers across England and Wales will spend less time behind desks and more time protecting their communities, as the government today launches PoliceAI – a new national centre dedicated to the responsible development, piloting and scaling of artificial intelligence in policing.

Smith Detection

Aerospace Security

Smith Detection's SDX 10080 SCT receives UK DfT approval

10 June 2026

Smiths Detection announced today that its SDX 10080 SCT has received UK Department for Transport (DfT) approval for deployment across UK airports and cargo operators for hold baggage and air cargo screening.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Antevia secures JOSCAR accreditation

Aerospace Defence Security Events

Antevia secures JOSCAR accreditation

10 June 2026

Antevia Networks today announced that it has successfully achieved accreditation for JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register), a collaborative tool used by a growing number of prime contractors and buyers in the aerospace, defence and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information.

Aston University secures £3.9m to boost aerospace and cybersecurity skills

Aerospace Security

Aston University secures £3.9m to boost aerospace and cybersecurity skills

10 June 2026

Aston University has secured almost £4 million in new funding to improve the UK’s aerospace engineering and cybersecurity skills.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB