Nokia and Numana Validate Quantum-Safe Network Blueprint 7
Nokia, Numana, and a group of Canadian technology leaders certified a new architecture to defend North America's most vital infrastructure from quantum computing, a milestone for digital security. The Kirq testbed validated Blueprint 7, moving it from theoretical study to deployable capability, securing hospitals, banks, and government networks in the post-quantum age. Imminent Quantum Threat
This is urgent because quantum computers are developing quickly. Quantum computers use superposition-state qubits instead of binary bits. This lets them calculate complex calculations ten times faster than the fastest supercomputers. Despite its immense potential, quantum devices can swiftly compromise network security.
Quantum computing threatens the security of our networks and data, warned Numana CEO Bernard Duval. He said without these precautions, identity theft and financial or health profile damage may happen “in the blink of an eye.” Resilience “Recipe”: Blueprint 7 Project managers called Blueprint 7 a “recipe” for modernizing digital systems. While overhauling infrastructure would be costly and logistically difficult, the blueprint shows how secure key generation, quantum key distribution (QKD), and quantum-safe encryption can be integrated into multi-vendor environments without disrupting business. The team proved that multiple next-generation technologies can coexist on the Kirq platform through interoperability testing. Thus, operational risk, technical unpredictability, and cost are lower than with national-scale security measures. Power of “Team Canada” A “who’s who” of Canadian quantum innovation collaborated on the project. Numana, a non-profit macro-accelerator, provided the Kirq testbed, a three-node system in Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Montreal that simulates real-world settings. Nokia Canada shared its optical networking and key connections expertise at its new Ottawa Innovation Campus. Specialized technical stack contributors: Crypto4A provides secure key generation and validated hardware “root of trust”. evolutionQ: Basejump provides scalable quantum delivery networks and cryptographic agility. NowQuantum: This unique startup independently confirmed the blueprint. NowQuantum pioneered quantum-safe protection of real-time business applications, not just data in transit. EvolutionQ founder and CEO Dr. Michele Mosca said national infrastructure preparation is now a “operational priority” rather than a “theoretical exercise.” Global leadership and strategic alignment The 2023 $360 million Canadian National Quantum Strategy replicates this success. The 2025 Canadian Quantum Champions Program invested $334 million to strengthen Canada's leadership in quantum materials, sensing, and communications. The federal government's roadmap requires agencies to submit implementation plans by April 2026 to switch all non-classified IT systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2035. Blueprint 7 gives these companies a future-tested course. The president of Nokia Canada, Jeffrey Maddox, said Canada is seeking “strategic de-risking” like Europe. No nation can build a trusted technology stack alone, thus multilateral alliances must bolster transatlantic digital infrastructure. Future: 2026 and Beyond Nokia, Numana, and partners will collaborate more until 2026. Future testing will focus on developing these technologies and integrating them with satellite initiatives like QEYSSat. Ultra-long-distance quantum-secure connections could span terrestrial and space networks. As the “AI supercycle” and quantum computing accelerate, interoperable, quantum-resilient networks are needed more than ever. By completing Blueprint 7, Canada proved it can lead the world to a secure digital future and defend its virtual borders.
