#addvalueidrs

SpeQtral and Addvalue Launch Integrated Satellite QKD Solutions in Singapore

SpeQtral and Addvalue IDRS

SpeQtral and Addvalue, Singaporean companies, partnered in February 2026 to produce quantum-secure satellite services. This alliance combines quantum key distribution (QKD) with real-time data relay technologies to offer secure, continuous communications. The cooperation hopes to decrease ground station scheduling delays for low-earth orbit missions by using Addvalue's IDRS connection. This endeavor helps Singapore's space policy by fostering domestic innovation and building global networks for cryptography issues. The combined business hopes to turn quantum communications experiments into reliable, commercial space economy security solutions.

SpeQtral Pte. Ltd. and Addvalue Innovation Pte. Ltd. have signed an MoU to develop a quantum key distribution (QKD) satellite system, marking a significant advancement in the global telecommunications and space industries. The Space Summit 2026 agreement advances Singapore's goal of quantum-secure, robust communications for next-generation networks.

In attendance were Addvalue CEO Tan Khai Pang and SpeQtral Co-founder and CEO Lum Chune Yang. The Executive Director of the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), Jonathan Hung, considered this collaboration important for the nation.

Bringing Demonstration and Service Together

This cooperation aims to commercialize space-based quantum technology from experimental demonstrations. Addvalue provides its Singapore-developed InterSatellite Data Relay System (IDRS) and SpeQtral provides quantum knowledge.

The MoU requires the two companies to study Quantum Communication satellite constellation architecture and Concept of Operations. To meet real-world operational objectives, this study will create service-oriented QKD solutions that can manage real-time tasking and rapid key setup requests.

Lum Chune Yang, SpeQtral's CEO, stressed that “classical” connection is just as crucial as quantum. “Space-based QKD must be paired with reliable, real-time classical connectivity to translate demonstrations into services,” added Lum. SpeQtral can improve QKD passes, post-processing, and key distribution for prospective clients by integrating with Addvalue's IDRS.

IDRS and SpeQtre's Power

The collaboration leverages both institutions' strengths. Addvalue's revolutionary IDRS allows Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to communicate 24/7 via GEO (Geostationary) links. IDRS, launched in November 2020 with Inmarsat (now Viasat), provides continuous IP sessions with data speeds over 200 kbps.

This “always-on” connection transforms quantum communications. It considerably reduces operating latency compared to standard ground station scheduling, which requires satellites to wait until they are above a ground station to receive instructions. IDRS excels at time-sensitive tasks like QKD service optimization and orchestration.

SpeQtral has significant “space heritage”. The company and RAL Space launched SpeQtre in November 2025. The SpeQtre project, which is being commissioned, uses a 12U CubeSat to demonstrate space-to-ground quantum communications, making Singapore a leader in quantum-secure networking.

Strategic Importance for Singapore and Others The agreement coincides with a global push to operationalize satellite-based QKD as the “quantum revolution” approaches. SpeQtral builds worldwide quantum networks to protect sovereign and business telecommunications from conventional and quantum-based cyberattacks as quantum computers challenge cryptographic norms.

Singapore is poised to claim a large share of the US$1.8 trillion space industry by 2035. The SpeQtral-Addvalue collaboration emphasizes operational availability and service readiness to keep Singapore-developed technology ahead of this transformation.

Local quantum-safe deployment attempts are expected to generate downstream demand for space-provided QKD keys, which must interact seamlessly with terrestrial fibre-based QKD infrastructure. This alliance supports Singapore's policy to strengthen its space sector and foster international collaboration by addressing the “satellite service layer” and improved resilience through IDRS.

Imagining the Quantum Internet

As the two companies explore go-to-market strategies, the goal is to build the quantum internet. LEO operations increasingly require fleetwide coordination and on-demand communications, said Addvalue CEO Tan Khai Pang. Tan said IDRS' 24/7 relay and secure IP continuity might support quantum secure services and speed up QKD satellite commissioning and operations.

SpeQtral and Addvalue are constructing a secure worldwide communication network that can withstand technological changes in the next decade by combining terrestrial and space-based technology.