BTQ Technologies Corp. & ITRI Announce Collaboration on Quantum Computation in Memory and Kyber-Hardware

BTQ Technologies Corp. is advancing its collaboration with ITRI to develop a security chip that utilizes QCIM (Quantum Computation in Memory) technology. This chip will be used for the computation of Kyber, a standardized algorithm by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
In their prior collaboration phase, BTQ and ITRI successfully demonstrated the concept of using computation-in-memory in an ASIC chip. This new phase aims to further this development and apply it to post-quantum hardware solutions for industries requiring long-term data security.
The goal is to harness CIM technology to enhance the energy efficiency of computation-intensive ASICs. This will reduce data movements in traditional architectures and improve the chip’s efficiency and performance, especially for NIST-selected PQC algorithms. Both BTQ and ITRI emphasize the importance of balancing high performance with low power consumption in designing this ASIC accelerator.

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 4, 2023 /CNW/ – BTQ Technologies Corp. (the “Company” or “BTQ”) (NEO: BTQ) (OTCQX: BTQQF) (FSE: NG3), a global quantum technology company focused on securing mission critical networks, is pleased to announce that BTQ is entering into the next phase of collaboration with ITRI to develop a security chip using QCIM (Quantum Computation in Memory) technology for computation of Kyber, a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standardized algorithm. A memorandum of understanding has been executed to reflect the intentions of both parties.

In 2022, BTQ entered into a multi-year collaboration with ITRI to develop energy-efficient post-quantum hardware solutions for applications in blockchain, telecom, and other industries with a need for long-term data security.

In the first phase of collaboration, BTQ and ITRI successfully validated the proof of concept of applying computation-in-memory in an ASIC chip. To further the collaboration, BTQ is entering into this new phase of the project with ITRI.

In July 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially announced standardized algorithms from Round 3 of the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Competition. Kyber is one of the Public-Key Encryptions standardized by NIST that enables network entities to establish shared secrets via insecure communication channels, which is essential for protecting data confidentiality using symmetric cryptosystems.

BTQ and ITRI intend to make use of QCIM to speed up critical computation in Kyber.

“CIM technology can potentially improve the energy efficiency of computation-intensive ASICs by reducing the data movements in traditional von Neumann architecture. Our previous work with ITRI has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of transferring CIM architecture from AI to post-quantum hash function computation. Based on the results, we continue to develop an advanced CIM architecture suitable for scaled-up computations in NIST selected PQC algorithms. More specifically, we are collaborating with an expanded ITRI team to design a CIM-enabled accelerator for Kyber, and we are excited about the efficiency and performance improvements this chip will bring.” said Professor Wei-Chih Hong, Head of Hardware Engineering at BTQ.

“The computations required for PQC algorithms demand significant computational resources. Designing an ASIC accelerator that strikes a balance between high performance and low power consumption presents a challenge. It must possess flexibility and programmability to accommodate various PQC algorithms and their variants. A modular, scalable, and reconfigurable design allows for easy customization to specific application scenarios, enabling quick adaptation to new algorithms. We employ a HW/SW co-design approach to seamlessly integrate CIM technology with existing ecosystems.” said Dr. Chris Lu, Department Manager at ITRI’s Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories.About BTQ

BTQ was founded by a group of post-quantum cryptographers with an interest in addressing the urgent security threat posed by large-scale universal quantum computers. With the support of leading research institutes and universities, BTQ is combining software and hardware to safeguard critical networks using unique post-quantum services and solutions.

Connect with BTQ: Website | LinkedInAbout ITRI

Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the world’s leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan’s industries from labor-intensive into innovation-driven. To address market needs and global trends, it has launched its 2030 Technology Strategy & Roadmap and focuses on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment. It also strives to strengthen Intelligentization Enabling Technology to support diversified applications.

Over the years, ITRI has been dedicated to incubating startups and spinoffs, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan in an effort to extend its R&D scope and promote international cooperation across the globe. For more information, please visit https://www.itri.org/eng.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Olivier Roussy Newton

CEO, Director

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This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act“) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.Forward Looking Information

Certain statements herein contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the business plans of the Company, including with respect to its research partnerships, and anticipated markets in which the Company may be listing its common shares. Forward-looking statements or information often can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan” or “may” and the variations of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.

The Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the development of post-quantum algorithms and quantum vulnerabilities, and the quantum computing industry generally. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, expressed or implied, by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include risks relating to: the availability of financing for the Company; business and economic conditions in the post-quantum and encryption computing industries generally; the speculative nature of the Company’s research and development programs; the supply and demand for labour and technological post-quantum and encryption technology; unanticipated events related to regulatory and licensing matters and environmental matters; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting blockchains); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to research and development activities; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.