Toshiba Asia Pacific is unveiling its latest quantum-safe network platform at Asia Tech Singapore (ATxSG) 2025, as part of a joint effort with Singapore-based quantum communications company SpeQtral and global networking firm Ciena. This collaboration brings together Toshiba’s Multiplexed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology with Ciena’s encrypted optical transport capabilities, offering a future-proof solution for secure data transmission as organisations prepare for the quantum era.
Combining strengths for quantum-safe encryption
At the heart of the demonstration is the integration of Toshiba’s QKD with Ciena’s Waveserver 5 platform, allowing 800 Gb/s encrypted communication over existing fibre infrastructure without the need for dark fibre. This makes it a more affordable and scalable option for organisations looking to secure their networks without overhauling their existing setup.
Toshiba’s QKD generates encryption keys using principles of quantum physics, making them immune to interception. When paired with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), which uses algorithms designed to resist quantum computing attacks, the result is a comprehensive defence-in-depth approach. This combination aims to set a new standard in data protection by addressing both current and future threats.
Chune Yang Lum, Co-Founder and CEO of SpeQtral, commented on the significance of the partnership: “As quantum threats shift from possibility to inevitability, building future-ready networks is essential and needs to start today. Our collaboration with Toshiba and Ciena demonstrates a clear path to integrating and scaling quantum security within existing network infrastructure. Now is the time for forward-looking organisations to lead the charge and secure their digital future.”
Supporting enterprise and telco adoption
As a strategic partner, SpeQtral contributes to the project by designing and deploying quantum-ready networks tailored for both enterprise and telecom customers in Singapore. Their role helps local businesses make a smooth transition to quantum-resilient security frameworks.
The demonstration at ATxSG 2025 highlights how businesses can adopt quantum-safe communication using their current network setups. With no need for significant infrastructure upgrades, the solution is practical and ready to deploy.
Matt Vesperman, Vice President for Asia Pacific at Ciena, added: “There is a growing need to create networks that are not only faster and more adaptable, but also capable of withstanding future quantum-enabled threats. Through this demonstration with Toshiba and SpeQtral, Ciena is showcasing a potential solution to protect and future-proof communication of sensitive data.”
Hiroshi Tsukino, Corporate Vice President of Toshiba Corporation and Vice President of the ICT Solutions Division at Toshiba Digital Solutions, said: “Toshiba is committed to advancing quantum technology from the lab to real-world practice. By fostering strong collaborations across the region, we are enabling organisations to confidently embrace quantum innovations. Our joint efforts with Ciena and SpeQtral highlight the practical benefits of quantum-safe communication, ensuring that businesses in Singapore and Asia Pacific can operate securely and efficiently in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Pioneering progress in quantum cryptography
Toshiba has been a key innovator in the field of quantum cryptography since 1999. The company was the first to operate a QKD system over 100km of fibre in 2003 and later became the first to achieve continuous key rates above 1 Mbit/second in 2010 and 10 Mbit/second in 2017. In 2021, it unveiled the world’s first chip-based QKD system.
To support continued research and development, Toshiba launched a £20 million Quantum Technology Centre in Cambridge. This centre focuses on developing quantum-secure networking solutions and integrating PQC into its systems, reinforcing Toshiba’s long-term commitment to a quantum-safe future.
