SIMAQ builds Saudi Arabia’s first quantum‑key‑distribution (QKD) network by linking low‑Earth‑orbit satellites with high‑capacity terrestrial fiber, enabling provably secure key exchange for government, critical‑infrastructure and enterprise communications.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Conventional encryption methods rely on mathematical problems that can be solved efficiently by emerging quantum computers, threatening the confidentiality of data transmitted by governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure. Existing key‑exchange networks lack quantum‑resistant mechanisms and are limited to terrestrial links, making them vulnerable to future quantum attacks and geographic constraints.
Solution
SIMAQ creates Saudi Arabia’s first quantum key distribution (QKD) network that combines space‑based transmission satellites with terrestrial fiber‑optic links. Quantum optical ground stations receive and transmit quantum‑encoded photons to orbiting QKD satellites, enabling the generation and distribution of encryption keys that are provably secure against quantum computing attacks. The integrated satellite‑to‑ground architecture extends secure key exchange beyond line‑of‑sight constraints, allowing cross‑border and remote site connectivity. Keys are delivered to end‑users through encrypted channels and can be directly integrated with existing cryptographic systems, providing a seamless upgrade path to quantum‑secure communications. By partnering with established global QKD providers, SIMAQ ensures interoperability with the worldwide quantum‑secure communications ecosystem.
Target Audience
Primary customers are national security agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and large enterprises in Saudi Arabia that require quantum‑resistant protection for sensitive communications.
Features
- Dual‑layer infrastructure linking low‑Earth‑orbit QKD satellites with high‑capacity terrestrial fiber networks
- Quantum optical ground stations equipped with single‑photon detectors and adaptive optics for reliable free‑space quantum transmission
- Real‑time key generation and distribution protocols compliant with international QKD standards (e.g., ETSI, ITU)
- End‑to‑end integration APIs that feed quantum‑generated keys into conventional encryption suites (TLS, VPN, IPsec)
- Secure key management platform with tamper‑evident storage and automated key rotation
- Interoperability framework supporting cross‑national QKD links through partner satellite constellations