Xanadu, University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University Team Up with Hydro-Quebec, Crypto4A, and evolutionQ for a Transformative Smart Grid Project

Xanadu (xanadu.ai), a world leader in photonic quantum computing is partnering with two leading Canadian universities and several industry partners for a collaborative project to advance research at the intersection of quantum technologies, cybersecurity, deep learning, and smart grids. The project, generously funded through a prestigious joint NSERC Alliance-Mitacs Accelerate grant, has the potential to make substantial contributions to Canada's quantum landscape, addressing critical gaps in training, education, and technology transfer.

The research project involves Dr. Deepa Kundur from the University of Toronto (U of T) as Principal Investigator and Dr. Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) as Co-Principal Investigator. Industry partners include Hydro-Québec, Crypto4A, and evolutionQ.

Emphasizing quantum technologies, cybersecurity, deep learning, and smart grid applications, the project's primary objectives include the development of advanced algorithms and quantum computing constructs for enhanced data analysis from smart grid devices. Additionally, the collaboration will work towards creating cryptographic solutions for smart grids that are resilient against an attacker who has quantum computing capabilities.

This collaborative initiative facilitates research and development activities that impact academic training, research, and industrial applications related to integrating quantum technologies in operational technology environments. Aligned with Canada's National Quantum Strategy and the National Cyber Security Action Plan, the project takes a crucial step towards a secure transition plan for quantum technology integration in Canadian power systems and other critical infrastructures.

The potential economic and social benefits of more resilient Canadian critical infrastructure are numerous. By investigating quantum machine learning using Xanadu's open-source quantum software library (PennyLane), the teams will explore customized post-quantum cryptography and communication solutions for modern smart grids and similar industrial control infrastructures.

Juliette Peyronnet Dremiere, Xanadu: "We are proud to support researchers in exploring the intersection of quantum technologies and smart grid with PennyLane, Xanadu's open-source quantum library."

Deepa Kundur, University of Toronto: "As we embark on this collaborative quantum research project, our team is dedicated to advancing quantum technologies for cybersecurity in smart grid applications, fostering innovation and preparing the next generation for the quantum revolution."

Atty Mashatan, Toronto Metropolitan University: "This collaboration underscores the importance of bridging academia and industry to drive innovation and address critical challenges in protecting the smart grids against emerging cybersecurity threats such as those enabled by a quantum computer."

Marthe Kassouf, Hydro-Québec: "At the Hydro-Quebec Research Institute (IREQ), we have been working consistently to develop innovative research strategies for the enhancement of power grid cybersecurity. This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in harnessing quantum technologies for the betterment of our critical infrastructures."

Brian Neill, evolutionQ: "Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize cybersecurity, and this project is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing this field."

Bruno Couillard, Crypto4A: "This project highlights the importance of migrating our cybersecurity technologies to a quantum ready state in advance of the fast-approaching quantum era, especially when it comes to our critical infrastructures."

About Xanadu: Xanadu is a quantum computing company with the mission of building quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Founded in 2016, Xanadu has become one of the world's leading quantum hardware and software companies. The company also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development.

About PennyLane: PennyLane is an open-source software framework for quantum machine learning, quantum chemistry, and quantum computing with the ability to run on all hardware. To find out more, visit the PennyLane website (www.pennylane.ai), or check out the PennyLane demos: a gallery of hands-on quantum computing content (https://pennylane.ai/demonstrations).

About The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto: The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Toronto is dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of knowledge spanning a diverse array of engineering and applied science fields — from the intricate fabrication of atomic-level structures with unique optical properties to the transformative technologies that have shaped our modern world, including microelectronics, computer systems, software, and networks.

Media Contact:

Zahra Murji Senior Communication Officer, The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto zahra.murji@utoronto.ca

About the Cybersecurity Research Lab, Toronto Metropolitan University: The Cybersecurity Research Lab (CRL) is an academic research lab at Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. The CRL conducts cutting-edge information security research, train the next generation of cybersecurity experts, and is spearheading a crucial and ongoing dialogue with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Canada. The CRL is recognized for its strong partnerships and linkages to industry. Its mission is to help organizations, large and small, to find innovative and cost-effective cyber risk mitigation strategies and solutions.

About Hydro-Québec: Hydro-Québec delivers reliable electricity and high-quality services tailored to customers’ needs at competitive prices. By developing clean and renewable energy sources, Hydro-Québec is contributing to Québec’s collective wealth while playing a central role in moving towards a green, sustainable economy. As a recognized leader in hydropower and large transmission systems, Hydro-Québec helps its neighbors to reduce their carbon footprint by promoting the positive features of its energy. Given its conviction that innovation is the way forward, Hydro-Québec designs leading-edge solutions and shares its expertise in order to decarbonize the economy and optimize energy consumption.

About Crypto4A: Crypto4A Technologies Inc. is a Canadian cybersecurity technology company providing industry leading, fifth-generation quantum-safe crypto-agile Hardware Security Modules (HSM), Hardware Security Platforms (HSP), and PQC Migration Solutions. Its products and solutions provide processing capabilities for classic and quantum-safe cryptography that is built in — not bolted on. Crypto4A enables the cryptographic agility, mobility, and scalability demanded by enterprises and government agencies to secure their digital assets and infrastructure while adapting to changing markets, standards, and requirements. Visit www.crypto4a.com to learn more.

About evolutionQ: evolutionQ was co-founded by leading cryptography experts, Dr. Michele Mosca, Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, and Dr. David Jao. With offices in Waterloo, Canada, and Aachen, Germany, evolutionQ delivers robust software that is revolutionizing the field of quantum-safe cryptography. evolutionQ has pioneered Quantum Delivery Network (QDN) technology with their flagship product BasejumpQDN that ensures quantum-safe network deployments are secure, seamless, and resilient. For more information about evolutionQ and the BasejumpQDN family of products, please visit: https://evolutionq.com.