Janne Hirvimies, CTO at QuantumGate, emphasises the company’s mission as a UAE-based pioneer in post-quantum cryptography, delivering solutions such as quantum-safe VPNs, identity management, and crypto discovery tools to help governments and enterprises prepare for the looming threats of quantum computing.
What is QuantumGate, and how is it positioned within the UAE’s tech ecosystem?
QuantumGate is an innovative cybersecurity venture focused on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions, operating within Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) ecosystem. As part of VentureOne, ATRC’s commercialisation arm, QuantumGate benefits directly from the groundbreaking research conducted by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). TII is the largest component of ATRC, with a team of around 1,200 researchers working across ten specialised domains, including system security and cryptography—key areas that power QuantumGate’s cutting-edge offerings. The company’s mission is to safeguard sensitive data from the future threat posed by quantum computers, which could render today’s encryption methods obsolete.
What products and services does QuantumGate offer to address the quantum threat?
QuantumGate offers a robust suite of solutions designed to help organisations transition to a quantum-secure future. These include QSphere, a quantum-resistant VPN and data encryption platform; Salina, a password-less identity management solution; and a Crypto Discovery Tool that allows organisations to assess and map existing cryptographic vulnerabilities across their digital infrastructure. Another key offering is Secure VMI, which enables secure virtual mobile infrastructure access, helping organisations safeguard mobile endpoints against evolving threats. Beyond its core product lineup, QuantumGate provides advisory services that help companies evaluate their current state, build transition roadmaps, and implement post-quantum cryptographic standards. These offerings are tailored to support both technical integration and long-term security planning, ensuring comprehensive readiness for the quantum era.
What is quantum cybersecurity, and how does it differ from general cybersecurity?
Quantum cybersecurity focuses on defending digital information from the potential dangers posed by quantum computing. Unlike general cybersecurity, which addresses present-day threats such as malware, phishing, and unauthorised access, quantum cybersecurity prepares organisations for future vulnerabilities. Quantum computers are expected to be capable of breaking widely used encryption standards like RSA and ECC, which form the backbone of current security infrastructures. Therefore, quantum cybersecurity is about anticipating and mitigating these risks by adopting encryption methods that can withstand quantum-level computing power.
How does QuantumGate approach the challenge of quantum cybersecurity?
Although its name includes “quantum,” QuantumGate primarily specialises in post-quantum security rather than developing encryption using quantum principles. The company’s approach is to provide quantum-resistant solutions that can be implemented today, ensuring data remains protected well into the future. Recognising that some data must remain secure for a decade or longer, QuantumGate encourages organisations to begin safeguarding that data now, before quantum computers become viable. Their offerings reflect a proactive strategy that bridges current cryptographic practices with future-proof protections.
What are some of the biggest challenges organisations face in cryptographic security?
A common challenge is the lack of centralised ownership over cryptographic security. Responsibilities tend to be fragmented across teams—spanning infrastructure, applications, networks, and CISO functions—making it difficult to coordinate efforts or create unified strategies. QuantumGate addresses this by offering tools and services that help organisations gain visibility into their cryptographic assets, assess weaknesses, and build comprehensive, forward-looking security plans. Their aim is to simplify and strengthen the transition toward post-quantum readiness across various organisational layers.
What kinds of partnerships is QuantumGate building to support this transition?
QuantumGate is actively collaborating with consulting firms like PwC and other strategic partners to provide advisory services, conduct cryptographic assessments, and guide organisations through their post-quantum transformation journeys. In addition, the company works with technology providers to integrate its solutions into broader cybersecurity ecosystems. These partnerships aim to raise awareness and make post-quantum preparation more accessible and scalable for a wider range of organisations, avoiding the risk of reactive, last-minute overhauls.
Which industries stand to gain the most from QuantumGate’s solutions?
Industries handling sensitive data with long-term value are the most likely to benefit, particularly government, financial services, critical infrastructure, and telecommunications. These sectors must not only comply with rigorous security standards but also ensure data integrity over extended periods. As a result, they are at the forefront of post-quantum preparedness. QuantumGate’s solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of these high-stakes environments, enabling them to adopt resilient, future-proof security strategies.
When is the quantum threat expected to become real?
While there is no universally agreed-upon timeline, most experts estimate that practical quantum threats could emerge within the next five to seven years. However, the transition to quantum-safe systems is not immediate—it can take anywhere from two to three years to assess, plan, and implement the necessary changes fully. Given that regulators are beginning to mandate quantum readiness in some sectors, organisations should act now to avoid compliance and security risks later. Even small and mid-sized businesses are at risk, as their entire IT infrastructure may need to be adapted. QuantumGate’s solutions are designed to help all types of businesses begin this transition without the need for disruptive system overhauls.
What advice would you offer to today’s CISOs and CIOs?
The most critical advice for CISOs and CIOs is to start planning now. Waiting until quantum computing becomes mainstream will leave organisations scrambling to catch up. It’s essential to understand your current cryptographic environment, develop a clear roadmap, and begin the transition gradually over the next few years. This is not just a technical issue—it’s also an economic and operational challenge. Early preparation will ensure business continuity, regulatory compliance, and the long-term security of sensitive data in the quantum era.