Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada supports Waterloo-based quantum security company before UN International Telecommunication Union

WATERLOO, Ontario, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s recent acceptance of quantum-safe encryption certificates from ISARA, the leading provider of security solutions for the quantum computing age, highlighted the vital role Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) plays in bringing Canadian technological advances to the global marketplace.

ISED sponsored ISARA’s presentation to the ITU, the United Nations’ specialized agency for international telecommunications. The ITU accepted ISARA’s proposal to support multiple public-key algorithm certificates as a new feature for inclusion in the next version of the widely-used X.509 global standard – establishing ISARA as one of the first organizations to develop an international standard in quantum-safe certificates. Private companies must be sponsored by their governments in order for ITU to review their proposals.

“Our government is committed to collaborating with Canadian companies leading the way in quantum computing research and contributing to Canada’s success in the digital economy,” said The Honourable Navdeep Singh Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “ISARA is among a number of  companies emerging in Waterloo Region’s Quantum Valley with the promise to lead the world into a new era of quantum computing.”

ISARA is an industry leader in efforts to develop standards that will allow organizations to encrypt, share, store and use data in the quantum age. Experts estimate that a large-scale quantum computer will be developed within the next decade. With immense computing power driven by quantum mechanics, such a computer offers the potential for huge advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence and material design. However, it also will be capable of breaking the public key encryption standards that protect all of the data, software updates and technology now in use.

Mark Pecen, Chief Operating Officer of ISARA, who represented ISARA at the ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector Study Group 17 in Geneva, said: “The active support of the Canadian government is one of the key reasons Canada has developed into one of the most vibrant centers of research and development of quantum computing. ISARA greatly appreciates the efforts undertaken on our behalf to turn mathematics and theoretical physics into real products and services that protect and benefit the global economy.”

Added ISARA CEO Scott Totzke: “ISED’s partnership with us was integral to achieving the end result. There is rapidly increasing urgency to define the next generation of standards needed for the quantum age and  this work is a fantastic example of how public-private collaboration can be done effectively to quickly make significant contributions on a global scale.”

About ISARA Corporation
ISARA is a cybersecurity company specializing in creating class-defining quantum safe cryptography solutions that can be embedded into commercial products today to secure data now and in the future. As a commercial solution provider within a rich academic and research ecosystem, ISARA is part of a collaborative effort to raise awareness of quantum threats, and design and implement quantum safe solutions that will work globally. For more information, visit http://www.isara.com/.

About ISED
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s mission is to foster a growing, competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy. The Department works with Canadians throughout the economy, and in all parts of the country, to improve conditions for investment, improve Canada’s innovation performance, increase Canada’s share of global trade, and build an efficient and competitive marketplace.

About ITU
The ITU is a public-private partnership with a membership of 193 countries and almost 800 private-sector entities and academic institutions. The ITU-T Study Group 17 (SG17) coordinates security-related work across all ITU-T Study Groups. It also cooperates with other standards-development organizations.

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SOURCE ISARA Corporation