The collaboration focuses on promoting post-quantum cybersecurity and the development of semiconductor industry intellectual property (IP) chips.
The Taiwan Quantum Security Industry Association (TQSA) is not only collaborating with Secure-IC, a provider of end-to-end cybersecurity solutions, but also with the Post- Quantum Cybersecurity Industry Alliance (PQC-CIA).
The three organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focusing on promoting the development of semiconductor industry intellectual property (IP) chips and together they will organise workshops on PQC Post-Quantum security for high-tech semiconductor industries, assist in the implementation of compliant chip testing collaborations, and accelerate entry into international markets.
Commenting on the announcement Hassan Triqui, Secure-IC’s CEO and Co-Founder said, "Our partnership with TQSA and PQC-CIA represents a unified global effort to secure the future of digital security. Leveraging Secure-IC’s extensive expertise, grounded in many years of dedicated research, innovative PQC algorithm creation, and advanced PQC-based product development, we aim to deliver state-of-the-art PQC solutions. This collaboration will robustly fortify the semiconductor industry against the looming quantum threats."
Vice Chairman Zhang Peiren of TQSA added that promoting widespread encryption technology adoption and establishing an industry supply chain have been the core missions of the association since its inception.
“This MOU signing with Secure-IC and PQC-CIA marks a significant step in turning our vision into action,” said Peiren. “Our collaboration starts in the semiconductor industry, with a focus on aiding high-tech semiconductor industries through hands-on PQC technical knowledge transfer, secure chip design, and international certification consultancy services for market entry."
With the rapid advancement of quantum computing technology, experts predict that within 15 years, quantum computers will possess sufficient computational power to potentially decrypt current encryption mechanisms in minutes. This poses significant challenges to sensitive data protection, network communications security, and online financial transactions.
Since 2016, in response to the impending obsolescence of current encryption mechanisms in the era of quantum computing, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States has initiated the PQC Cryptography Standardization Competition. Later this year, four PQC postquantum cryptography algorithms will be standardised to mitigate the risks posed by quantum computing.
Peiren further emphasised, "Given the limited time until the quantum era arrives, rigorous verification of encryption mechanisms and widespread migration operations are paramount to ensuring the continued robust operation of our digital society and industries. Practical implementation should prioritise sectors based on their importance and urgency.
“Domestically, various application scenario validations and PQC migration operations have been initiated by public sectors. The semiconductor industry, a vital core industry of our nation, requires urgent establishment of security measures. Therefore, this declaration of collaboration through the MOU signing between TQSA, Secure-IC, and the Post-Quantum Cybersecurity Industry Alliance underscores our commitment to expanding industry resilience."
