Nu Quantum

Launched in late 2018, Nu Quantum is a start-up company that was spun off from the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, UK. Nu Quantum specializes in single-photon quantum technology that sets out to create unbreakable encryption keys.

Nu Quantum uses graphene and other layered-material technology in their devices, the atomically-thin nature of these materials crucial to accessing quantum light and matter control, as well as to improve efficiency, flexibility, size, weight and power requirements.

The start-up's devices utilize the quantum properties of photons, single particles of light. Unlike other quantum technologies, which need to be cooled to around absolute zero to be stable, Nu Quantum's components work at room temperature, enabling a wealth of commercial applications.

Nu Quantum is currently developing three technologies. Two are components; a single-photon emitter and a single photon detector. The third is a system, which combines the two components to create a quantum random number generator.

Security systems rely on cryptographic keys, but these are traditionally produced by predictable algorithms. Quantum random number generation takes advantage of the behavior of quantum particles, such as photons, to create completely random sequences that result in unbreakable encryption.

The start-up aims to achieve the highest efficiency photon emission and detection at room temperature, before creating more complex quantum photonic communications systems. Nu Quantum is currently undertaking pilot projects with telecommunications and space communications companies.

As of 2020, Nu quantum is also an Associate Member of the EU-funded Graphene Flagship project.

Following a round of £650,000 pre-seed funding in 2018, Nu Quantum obtained £3.6 million in government grants and is raising a several-million seed round backed by different venture capital firms. Nu Quantum plans to launch its random number generator in 2021.