A new era of computing is fast approaching; one powered by quantum computers, which have been proven to solve complex mathematical problems in just a few hours that would take today’s most powerful supercomputers billions of years. This immense leap in processing power poses a serious threat to current encryption systems, many of which could be rendered useless almost overnight.
Across the globe, researchers are racing to redesign the cryptographic foundations that secure everything from your online banking to national defence systems. Among them is a team in Malta, where edQuanta Ltd. is leading a bold initiative to develop encryption that can stand up to the quantum era.
Their project, SPQRi, short for Super Post-Quantum Resistive Isogenies, explores a cutting-edge form of encryption known as isogeny-based cryptography. Isogenies are mathematical transformations between elliptic curves; geometric structures used to build cryptographic keys. These transformations are incredibly difficult to reverse, making them ideal for hiding sensitive information in a way that even quantum computers would struggle to decode.
Funded through the Digital Technologies Programme, administered by Xjenza Malta in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), the SPQRi project is part of a broader national push to advance R&D in high-impact fields like AI, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies.
What makes SPQRi stand out is its focus on lightweight, quantum-resilient encryption, a combination that could prove vital in sectors like finance, government, healthcare, and the growing Internet of Things (IoT). Unlike other post-quantum systems, isogeny-based methods aim to provide strong protection without overwhelming the devices or systems that rely on them.
Critically, the research team behind SPQRi brings an exceptional depth of expertise. The project is led by a cryptographic specialist with a military background in secure communications, ensuring that the work is grounded in real-world security challenges. The core Maltese team is also collaborating with renowned international mathematicians, bringing a global perspective to one of the most complex and urgent problems in digital security.
“At edQuanta, we specialise in turning deep research into real-world tools,” said Elaine Catania, Managing Director. “SPQRi reflects our commitment to meaningful innovation and to making Malta a serious player in global cybersecurity.”
The SPQRi project, along with edQuanta’s wider research portfolio, is helping to redefine what it means to be a private research-driven organisation. In a landscape traditionally dominated by universities and public institutes, edQuanta is proving that independent, agile teams can deliver meaningful breakthroughs and that Malta’s innovation ecosystem has room for bold, R&D-led enterprises at its core.
As quantum computing promises to rewrite the rules of digital security, one thing is certain: the time to prepare is now. And with SPQRi, Malta is already getting to work.