“Meet and Greet” with the PQ-REACT Open Call#1-Develop beneficiaries.

Five organisations across Europe are the beneficiaries of the PQ-REACT Open Call#1-DEVELOP. Over the next six months, we will collaborate closely with them to bring their innovative ideas to life and materialise their proposals.

Let’s have a “Quantum coffee sip” with 8BELLS.
8Bells is an independent high-tech enterprise with headquarters in Nicosia, Cyprus, and Athens, Greece, dedicated to driving innovation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Their project title is “Quantum-Agile 5G Core / QA5G”, having chosen Use Case 2 (5G and 6G architectures).

First, congratulations on your win! Can you tell us about your organisation and your journey into quantum science?

Thank you very much for your recognition of our efforts. 8Bells is an independent high-tech enterprise with headquarters in Nicosia, Cyprus, and Athens, Greece, dedicated to driving innovation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Our expertise spans key technological domains, including 5G/6G telecommunications, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Our journey into quantum science is driven by our commitment to addressing the evolving challenges of cybersecurity in the ICT domain. As quantum computing emerges as a transformative yet disruptive force, we recognized the need to future-proof critical infrastructures against the threats posed by quantum-enabled adversaries. This work is led by a team of experts in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies, including Dr. Emmanouil Kafetzakis, Co-Founder and R&D Director, and Dr. Ioannis Giannoulakis, Co-Founder and Project Management Director. Their decades of experience in ICT and European research initiatives, combined with the expertise of our broader team, position 8Bells to effectively integrate quantum science into ICT solutions. We remain committed to advancing secure and forward-looking technologies to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What motivated you to participate in the PQ-REACT Open Call#1?

Our motivation to participate in the PQ-REACT Open Call#1 stemmed from our commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and addressing the challenges posed by emerging quantum technologies. As an organization deeply involved in ICT, we recognize the critical need to develop quantum-resistant solutions to future-proof modern telecommunications systems against the potential threats of quantum computing. The Open Call presented an excellent opportunity to leverage our expertise in 5G/6G telecommunications and cybersecurity while collaborating with a forward-thinking community dedicated to post-quantum cryptography. By participating, we aimed to contribute to the development of robust and scalable solutions, such as integrating post-quantum cryptographic algorithms into 5G Service-Based Architecture (SBA), ensuring the security and resilience of critical infrastructures in the quantum era.

Can you tell us a few words about your project? The initial idea behind the proposal, its future impact and application?

The PQ-REACT project focused on enhancing the security of 5G Service-Based Architecture (SBA) by integrating post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. By replacing traditional cryptographic protocols in key SBA services, such as the Network Repository Function (NRF) and Authentication Server Function (AUSF), PQ-REACT ensures quantum-resistant, scalable security solutions. PQ-REACT project also emphasizes securing TLS-based communication within the SBA, promoting cryptographic agility and long-term resilience to protect critical 5G infrastructure. The initial idea stems from the need to address the growing threat posed by quantum computing, which could render current cryptographic mechanisms obsolete. By proactively integrating quantum-resistant algorithms, the project aims to future-proof 5G networks and lay the groundwork for secure applications in critical sectors such as smart cities, autonomous systems, and Industry 4.0.

What do you believe is the most exciting and important aspect of quantum technologies from your point of view? And how this will impact society?

The most exciting aspect of quantum technologies is their potential to solve complex problems that are currently infeasible, particularly in cybersecurity. Quantum cryptography and quantum-resistant algorithms will safeguard data and communications against future quantum threats, transforming industries like telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and defense. Beyond security, quantum technologies will drive breakthroughs in optimization, drug discovery, and AI, improving efficiencies and quality of life. By enabling faster innovation and tackling global challenges, quantum technologies have the potential to create a more secure, efficient, and innovative future for society.

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