Singapore Quantum Communications Testbed: $6.2M to Build the Unhackable Internet

The quantum computer is coming. And when it arrives, it will break the encryption that protects everything from your bank account to national secrets. RSA, ECC, the cryptographic locks that hold the digital world together—they will all shatter.

Singapore is not waiting for “Q-Day.” The National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) is building the shield before the sword is forged.

The Quantum Communications Testbed Grant is a SGD $6.2 million opportunity for deep-tech startups, telcos, and research labs to deploy and test the next generation of secure communications. We are talking about Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)—using the laws of physics (entanglement, superposition) to share encryption keys that cannot be intercepted without being detected.

This is not a theoretical physics paper. This is about hardware. It’s about plugging QKD boxes into real fiber optic cables under the streets of Singapore. It’s about beaming photons from a satellite to a ground station in Jurong. It’s about proving that “Quantum-Safe” is ready for business.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Opportunity Offers

Access to the NQSN Infrastructure You don’t have to lay your own fiber. Winners get access to the National Quantum-Safe Network. This is a dedicated fiber network connecting Singapore’s major universities, data centers, and government buildings, specifically configured for quantum signals (which are fragile and need “dark fiber” or specific wavelengths).

Hardware Budget Quantum gear is expensive. Single-photon detectors, entangled photon sources, quantum random number generators—these cost a fortune. The grant covers the CapEx to buy or build this specialized equipment.

Regulatory Sandbox Deploying quantum encryption on a live telecom network involves massive regulatory hurdles. Is it certified? Is it compliant with IMDA regulations? Winners operate in a “sandbox” environment where they can test these protocols safely and help shape the future standards.

Who Should Apply

This is a game for Consortiums. No single startup has all the pieces. You need a team.

The Ideal Consortium:

1. The Tech Provider: A startup or university lab that builds the QKD hardware or the PQC software.
2. The Network Provider: A telco (Singtel, StarHub, M1) that owns the fiber and the exchanges.
3. The End User: A bank, a hospital, or a government agency that has a burning need for secure data and is willing to be the “pilot customer.”

Eligibility Checklist:

• Lead Applicant: Must be a Singapore-registered business or research institute.
• Local Content: A significant portion of the R&D and engineering must happen in Singapore.
• Consortium Agreement: A binding legal agreement between all partners must be signed before the grant is awarded.
• Security Clearance: Because this involves critical infrastructure, key personnel may need to undergo security screening.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

I have tracked the NQSN rollout closely. Here is what the evaluation panel (composed of quantum physicists and telco engineers) is looking for.

1. Hybrid is the Future Don’t just propose QKD. Propose QKD + PQC. Quantum Key Distribution protects the transmission, but Post-Quantum Cryptography (software-based math) protects the data at rest. A “Hybrid Architecture” that uses both is seen as the most robust solution.

2. Solve the “Distance” Problem Quantum signals degrade over distance. They can’t go through standard amplifiers. If your proposal includes “Trusted Nodes” (secure bunkers to relay the signal) or “Quantum Repeaters” (the holy grail of quantum tech), you will grab attention.

3. Show Commercial Viability The government doesn’t want a science experiment. They want a product. Your proposal must answer: “Who will pay for this?” Is it for high-frequency trading? Is it for securing health records? Show the business case.

4. Interoperability Can your device talk to other devices? If you build a QKD system that only works with your own brand of receiver, it’s useless for a national network. Commit to using standard interfaces (like the ETSI QKD standards).

5. Satellite Links Singapore is an island. To talk to the world, we need satellites. Proposals that include a “Space-to-Ground” component (receiving quantum keys from a satellite) are highly strategic for Singapore’s connectivity resilience.

Application Timeline

February 2025: Consortium Formation

• Action: Start dating. Tech startups need to woo the telcos. This takes time.
• Action: Sign NDAs and define the IP sharing rules.

March 2025: Technical Architecture

• Action: Map out the network. Which nodes connect to which? What is the loss budget (in dB) of the fiber link?
• Action: Consult with the QEP (Quantum Engineering Programme) team to check compatibility with the NQSN.

April 2025: Security Review

• Action: Draft your “Security Proof.” In quantum, you have to mathematically prove your system is secure. “Trust me” doesn’t work.
• Action: Conduct a “Red Team” analysis. How would you hack your own system?

May 30, 2025: Submission

• Action: Submit the full proposal via the IGMS (Integrated Grant Management System) portal.

Required Materials

• Technical Proposal: Detailed schematics of the optical setup.
• Commercialization Plan: The path to market.
• Consortium Agreement: Signed by all parties.
• Budget: Detailed breakdown of manpower, equipment, and consumables.
• CVs: The scientific track record of the PI (Principal Investigator) matters.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

The “Side Channel” Defense Real-world quantum hacking doesn’t attack the photon; it attacks the box. It listens to the hum of the power supply or blinds the detector with a laser. A proposal that explicitly addresses “Side Channel Attacks” and how to defend against them shows deep maturity.

Standardization Leadership Commit to contributing your findings to the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) or ISO. Singapore wants to be a rule-maker, not a rule-taker.

Talent Development There is a massive shortage of quantum engineers. Include a plan to train PhD students or upskill telco engineers during the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring the “Classical” Channel QKD requires a classical channel to compare the keys. If your classical channel is slow or insecure, your quantum channel is useless. Don’t overlook the conventional networking stack.

Over-Promising on Rate Don’t promise “Gigabit” key rates. Real-world QKD is often in the Kilobits or Megabits range. Be realistic about the “Secret Key Rate” (SKR) you can achieve over 20km of fiber.

Forgetting the “Trusted Node” Security If you use trusted nodes, they must be physically secure. If a janitor can walk in and copy the keys, the quantum physics doesn’t matter. Include physical security in your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PhD to apply? The Lead PI usually holds a PhD, but the commercial lead does not. It is a deep-tech grant, so scientific rigor is non-negotiable.

Can foreign companies join? Yes, but they usually need to partner with a local entity. The IP ownership and data sovereignty rules will be strict.

What happens if the fiber breaks? The NQSN is a testbed. Outages happen. Your system should be robust enough to handle interruptions and recover the key exchange automatically.

Is this only for fiber? No. Free-Space Optical (FSO) links (between buildings) are also eligible and encouraged for “last mile” delivery where fiber is too expensive.

How to Apply

1. Visit the QEP Website: Go to the Quantum Engineering Programme page.
2. Download the Grant Call: Read the specific “Grant Call for NQSN Use Cases.”
3. Attend the Briefing: There is usually an industry briefing session. Go and ask questions.

The future is quantum. Singapore is building the runway. Are you ready to take off?