Back/BTQ Technologies Partners with ICTK for Quantum-Secure Chip Development and Cybersecurity Innovation
tech·October 30, 2025·jynt

BTQ Technologies Partners with ICTK for Quantum-Secure Chip Development and Cybersecurity Innovation

ED
Editorial
Cashu Markets·3 min read
TL;DR
  • BTQ Technologies and ICTK are collaborating on a USD 15 million joint investment to develop a quantum-secure chip.
  • The QCIM chip will enhance security in various sectors by integrating BTQ's cryptographic technologies and enabling seamless upgrades.
  • This partnership aims for rapid certification and deployment of the QCIM chip, aligning with Korea's Quantum Defense Strategy.

BTQ Technologies and ICTK Forge Strategic Partnership for Quantum-Secure Chip Development

BTQ Technologies Corp., a global leader in quantum technology, solidifies its position in the cybersecurity landscape by entering a USD 15 million development and joint investment agreement with ICTK Co., Ltd., South Korea's premier secure element chip manufacturer. This collaboration focuses on the co-development of a next-generation quantum-secure secure-element chip, dubbed Quantum Compute in Memory (QCIM). The QCIM chip aims to bolster security measures across various sectors, including defense, critical infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, mobile authentication, and digital asset management. By integrating BTQ's CASH cryptographic acceleration and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), the QCIM chip will facilitate seamless crypto-agile upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to existing customer workflows.

The partnership promises significant advancements in performance metrics, claiming to deliver up to five times the throughput of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) compared to existing secure hardware. The QCIM chip is engineered to process approximately one million digital signatures per second while consuming less than one microjoule per operation. This high-performance capability positions the QCIM chip as a robust solution for industries that prioritize security and efficiency. Additionally, ICTK's established reputation as Korea’s top secure-element vendor enhances the credibility of the project, providing essential third-party validation and resources necessary for scaling production.

With a focus on mass production, rigorous testing, and compliance with international standards, BTQ and ICTK are set to expedite the certification and deployment of the QCIM chip in telecom and financial sectors. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Korea's Quantum Defense Strategy, which underscores the rapid adoption of quantum-secure technologies for critical infrastructure and defense systems. Commercialization efforts are already in motion, as ICTK leverages its industry connections to engage key customers interested in integrating PQC-enabled secure chips into their future products and infrastructure. This partnership not only marks a pivotal development in the quantum technology landscape but also addresses the growing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions in an increasingly digital world.

In related news, Granata Bio Corporation has established a joint venture with Georgetown Equity Partners to develop an innovative fertility treatment based on hypoglycosylated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This advancement signals a promising shift in reproductive health, with potential implications for enhancing in vitro fertilization outcomes. The commitment to exploring improved versions of FSH highlights the importance of innovation in biotechnology sectors, mirroring the forward-thinking ethos found in the quantum technology industry.

As BTQ and ICTK embark on their groundbreaking project, they reflect a broader trend toward prioritizing security in technological advancements. The development of the QCIM chip exemplifies how collaborations in the tech industry can pave the way for enhanced protection against evolving cyber threats, ultimately contributing to a more secure digital future.