Nokia Canada, Numana, and Canadian partners have completed interoperability testing on the Kirq quantum-safe testbed, validating Blueprint 7 as a repeatable network architecture for integrating quantum-safe encryption technologies.
The testing, conducted in late 2025, demonstrated how quantum-safe encryption, secure key generation, and quantum key distribution can be incorporated into existing multi-vendor networks without operational disruption. This approach aims to lower cost, risk, and uncertainty in upgrading infrastructure for the post-quantum era while aligning with international standards.
Kirq, Canada's only quantum-safe testbed operated by Numana, consists of a three-node system in Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Montreal. It simulates real-world network conditions for testing quantum-safe innovations.
The collaboration involved Numana, Nokia Canada, Crypto4A, evolutionQ, and NowQuantum. NowQuantum independently validated Blueprint 7 by deploying its Full-Stack, Quantum-Safe First Architecture (FS-QSFA). This deployment showed that both data in transit and real-time execution of business-critical applications can be secured in a quantum-safe environment, addressing requirements for critical infrastructure operators during post-quantum migration.
The tests integrated Canadian-developed cryptographic capabilities, including secure key generation and quantum key distribution orchestration, with quantum-safe optical networking technologies from Nokia. The results support potential future integration with satellite-based quantum communications initiatives such as QEYSSat for ultra-long-distance quantum-secure connectivity.
Bernard Duval, CEO of Numana, stated that quantum computing threatens network and data security, including bank accounts, health profiles, and online marketplaces. He noted that Kirq tests practical, interoperable, and scalable security approaches, confirming Blueprint 7 as a workable recipe for integrating new methods into long-lived digital systems.
Jeffrey Maddox, President of Nokia Canada, indicated that Canada is emerging in quantum-safe communications through national ecosystem efforts. He highlighted contributions from Nokia's optical, IP, and data-center networking innovations, supported by the Ottawa Innovation Campus, to prepare for quantum-resilient connectivity and global partnerships.
Dr. Michele Mosca, Founder and CEO of evolutionQ, described the work as developing layered solutions with post-quantum cryptography and cryptographic agility via the Basejump platform to adapt to requirements and incorporate maturing algorithms.
Bruno Couillard, CEO and Co-Founder of Crypto4A, emphasized the need for certified hardware root of trust, secure key generation, and crypto-agility for long-term resilience in critical systems.
The collaboration will continue in 2026, expanding Kirq testing to assist organizations in assessing exposure, validating solutions, and planning large-scale quantum-safe networking adoption. This builds on efforts to integrate space-to-terrestrial quantum encryption and positions Canada in practical quantum-safe testing for digital infrastructure protection.
