SEALSQ, GlobalFoundries Partner on Quantum-Resistant Security Chips

Switzerland based security organisation SEALSQ and American semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries, GF, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement outlines joint development of post quantum security technologies, secure semiconductor platforms, and specialised electronics for future quantum computing systems.

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Cybersecurity experts anticipate future quantum computers may break current encryption protecting sensitive data globally. Protecting this data requires integrating algorithms into the chips powering servers, smartphones, and critical infrastructure. This hardware integration presents a significant engineering challenge, now reshaping the semiconductor industry.

So, chipmakers are designing processors with built in quantum resistant protections. Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ and a UN cybersecurity expert, stated semiconductors, cybersecurity, Post Quantum Cryptography, and quantum computing are converging into a single technology ecosystem. Researchers have prepared for potential quantum threats for years.

Post quantum cryptography, new algorithms, has been developed to remain secure against quantum attacks. Implementation requires more computing resources, power, and integration into modern devices. The SEALSQ and GF collaboration targets hardware based security technologies for future semiconductor designs, according to Interesting Engineering.

A primary goal is creating ready made security components for integration by other chipmakers into future processors. And SEALSQ and GF will collaborate with MIPS, a chip design company and GF subsidiary. They plan to develop certified security modules to run post quantum cryptography directly in hardware, reducing software reliance. This provides pre certified hardware components for quantum resistant security.

The companies also plan development of Chiplet Hardware Security Module, CHSM, components. These security focused chiplets could be used in Hardware Security Modules, HSMs, protecting cryptographic keys, and Secure Enclaves, isolating critical data. Secure chiplet architectures form another development area. Partners aim to embed security functions into these architectures for future semiconductor platforms.

Mr Moreira noted this partnership validates their vision for secure, scalable technology platforms for the quantum era. The partnership also aims to develop semiconductor technologies supporting quantum computing systems. Most quantum processors operate at temperatures mere fractions of a degree above absolute zero.

But conventional electronics often struggle to function efficiently at such ultra low temperatures. To overcome this, the companies plan collaboration on cryogenic application specific integrated circuits, ASICs. These specialised chips will operate at ultra low temperatures. They are expected to support electronics surrounding future quantum computing systems, building on GF's Quantum Technology Solutions business and SEALSQ's quantum ASIC design ambitions.

Nicholas Sergeant, VP and head of quantum technology solutions at GF, stated the partnership builds the foundation for the quantum era. This includes trusted digital infrastructure secured by Post Quantum Cryptography and semiconductor technologies for future quantum computing. CMOS manufacturing is seen as a potential enabler, offering scalability, reliability, and cost efficiencies.

And SEALSQ and GF's collaboration supports European and US sovereign supply chain initiatives. Governments are focusing on where critical advanced semiconductors are designed, developed, and manufactured, due to national security importance. However, quantum computers capable of breaking modern encryption have not yet arrived.

Many technologies for large scale quantum systems are still under development. This partnership is a strategic agreement, not a product launch. Much work remains in design, testing, and validation. Next steps involve developing and evaluating proposed security technologies and cryogenic chips. Mr Sergeant concluded the firms are uniquely positioned to provide partners and customers with technologies to secure and enable the quantum future.

• SEALSQ and GlobalFoundries have formed a strategic alliance to develop quantum resistant hardware.

• The partnership addresses the need to integrate post quantum cryptography directly into semiconductor chips.

• Key initiatives include certified security modules, Chiplet Hardware Security Modules, and secure chiplet architectures.

• The collaboration also extends to developing cryogenic ASICs for quantum computing systems themselves.

• The agreement supports European and US sovereign supply chain efforts for advanced semiconductors.

Source: Interesting Engineering