Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena Demonstrate Next-Generation Quantum-Secured Communications with High-Speed Encryption using PQC and QKD at OFC 2026
MWN-AI** Summary
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) and Ciena have launched a significant milestone in the realm of cybersecurity, demonstrating a groundbreaking quantum-secured communications system at the OFC 2026 conference. This joint demonstration, held at Corporate Village Booth #5355, integrates advanced technologies such as quantum key distribution (QKD), post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and high-performance AES-256-GCM optical encryption.
As cyber threats continue to escalate, especially with the looming potential of quantum computers leveraging Shor's algorithm, this partnership aims to address both current and future vulnerabilities. The system combines optical-layer encryption with quantum-secure methods, providing a robust security framework for networks.
QCi and Ciena's collaboration highlights the transition from theoretical concepts of quantum security to practical applications in real-world scenarios. Pouya Dianat, QCi's Chief Revenue Officer, underscored the significance of their integrated QKD and quantum identity authentication technologies alongside Ciena's optical encryption capabilities, promising a layered approach to network security.
Ciena’s Waveserver platform is engineered to support optical AES-256-GCM encryption at remarkable speeds of up to 1.6 Tb/s, leveraging NIST-certified PQC algorithms and ensuring compatibility with third-party QKD systems. Paulina Gomez from Ciena emphasized that for organizations managing sensitive data, adopting quantum-safe communications solutions is imperative for safeguarding information from advanced threats, all while maintaining high performance and efficiency.
QCi's time-frequency entanglement-based QKD architecture enhances deployment stability, enriched by their Quantum Identity Authentication technology, recognized with the prestigious 2023 Edison Patent Award. This demonstration marks a pivotal step towards the future of secure communications, paving the way for businesses to protect their data against emerging cyber risks effectively. The event illustrates the feasibility of deploying quantum-secured systems in operational networks.
MWN-AI** Analysis
As a financial analyst observing the emerging field of quantum technology, the recent collaboration between Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) and Ciena at OFC 2026 signals a pivotal moment for both companies, primarily in the cybersecurity landscape.
Quantum Computing Inc.'s demonstration of quantum-secured communications, integrating Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) with Ciena's high-capacity encryption platform, unveils significant opportunities. This solution directly addresses rising cybersecurity threats, particularly those posed by advancements in quantum computing, which could potentially undermine classical cryptographic methods. The ability to protect data at speeds of up to 1.6 Tb/s positions QCi and Ciena as front-runners in a market demanding secure, high-speed communication methods.
For investors, QCi's recent acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor enhances its competitive edge, expanding its technological capabilities and product offerings. Given the ongoing global emphasis on cybersecurity—heightened by geopolitical tensions and the shift toward remote operations—QCi's solutions are timely and potentially lucrative. The market for quantum-secured communications is set for exponential growth, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and the need for robust data protection.
However, potential investors should approach with caution. While the collaboration is a positive indicator, the long-term viability and profitability of their integrated technologies remain uncertain. Risks include technological execution, market adoption hurdles, and competition from other tech giants in the quantum computing sphere.
In summary, while QCi and Ciena demonstrate leadership in the burgeoning quantum cybersecurity field, thorough diligence is recommended for investors looking to navigate the complexities and volatility associated with this cutting-edge sector. The collaboration may not just showcase technological prowess, but could also herald significant growth potential in a rapidly evolving market.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
HOBOKEN, N.J., March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Computing Inc. ("QCi" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: QUBT) an innovative, quantum optics and integrated photonics technology company, and Ciena (Nasdaq: CIEN) today announced a joint demonstration of next-generation quantum secure communications at OFC 2026 in the Corporate Village Booth #5355. The live demonstration showcases a comprehensive security architecture integrating quantum key distribution, quantum authentication, classical authentication, and high-performance AES-256-GCM optical encryption.
The solution is designed to address both current cybersecurity threats and future risks posed by quantum computers running Shor's algorithm by combining optical-layer encryption with quantum-secure and post-quantum cryptographic techniques.
"This collaboration demonstrates how quantum-secured communications can move from theory to deployment," said Pouya Dianat, Chief Revenue Officer of QCi. "By integrating our time-frequency entanglement-based QKD and quantum identity authentication technologies with Ciena's high-capacity optical encryption solution, we are delivering a layered security approach built for real-world networks."
The demonstration showcases how Ciena's Waveserver platform protects critical data at scale with optical AES-256-GCM encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s that supports NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography algorithms and seamless third-party QKD system interworking using an ETSI-standard API.
"For businesses and network operators handling sensitive data, the shift towards quantum-safe communications has already begun," said Paulina Gomez, Senior Advisor, Portfolio Marketing at Ciena. "Our easy-to-deploy solution delivers high-speed quantum-safe communications straight out of the box, without impacting performance, to protect critical in-flight data today while preparing for the quantum future. Collaborating with QCi demonstrates how our commercially available optical encryption can be deployed in real-world network environments with QKD technology to quantum-secure communication channels against even the most advanced threats."
QCi's system features a time-frequency entanglement-based QKD architecture using telecom-band photons for enhanced deployment stability. The solution can be augmented with Quantum Identity Authentication using Quantum Zero Knowledge Proof (QZEK-P), a hardware-based implementation of QCi's proprietary technology recognized with the 2023 Edison Patent Award.
The demonstration will be held in the Corporate Village at Booth #5355 and will require prior approval for viewing.
About Quantum Computing Inc.
Quantum Computing Inc. (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, quantum optics and integrated photonics technology company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines and foundry services for the production of photonic chips based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). QCi's products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company's portfolio of core technologies and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, as well as remote sensing applications.
Through its acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, Inc., in February, 2026, QCi accelerated its technology roadmap while expanding technical depth, manufacturing capabilities, and its product portfolio to photonics and optics components, subsystems, and systems.
About Ciena
Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build the world's most advanced networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, interconnects, automation software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. For updates on Ciena, follow us on?LinkedIn and?X, or visit the?Ciena Insights webpage and Ciena website.
Company Contact:
John Nesbett/Zach Nevas
IMS Investor Relations
qci@imsinvestorrelations.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements and forecasts, generally identified by terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "enhance," "intends," "goal," "objective," "seek," "attempt," "aim to," or variations of these or similar words, involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of QCi and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including the ability of the integrated solution to address current and future cybersecurity and quantum threats, the performance of QCi's and Ciena's products as an integrated system, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by federal securities law, QCi undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions.
SOURCE Quantum Computing Inc.
FAQ**
How does the collaboration between Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena Corporation CIEN enhance the security of data transmission using Quantum Key Distribution and post-quantum cryptography technologies?
What specific advantages does QCi's time-frequency entanglement-based QKD architecture provide in real-world network environments, particularly in conjunction with Ciena Corporation CIEN's optical AES-256-GCM encryption?
Can you elaborate on how the integration of Quantum Identity Authentication with Ciena Corporation CIEN's solutions improves the overall security architecture presented at OFC 2026?
What potential market impacts do you foresee for Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena Corporation CIEN as businesses increasingly adopt quantum-secured communications in response to evolving cybersecurity threats?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Ciena Corporation (NYSE: CIEN).
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