Our OC#1 winners are sharing their project’s results: Vicomtech. Project results and personal reflections from our OC#1 winners. From implementation to challenges and impact to PQ-REACT support and selection opportunities.

Vicomtech’s story

Q-PROTECT: Bringing Post-Quantum Cryptography to Real 5G Infrastructures

As part of the PQ-REACT Open Call #1, our team at Vicomtech successfully implemented Q-PROTECT, a project focused on evaluating and integrating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) within realistic 5G network infrastructures. The project aimed to identify the impact and feasibility of adopting quantum-safe algorithms—like Kyber and Dilithium—in real-time communications between 5G network functions.

We deployed a fully virtualized 5G standalone environment using Open5GS and UERANSIM, which allowed us to simulate core components like AMF, AUSF, and NRF. Over this infrastructure, we replaced classical cryptographic algorithms with PQC alternatives at the TLS layer. These were integrated using OpenSSL with liboqs, enabling compatibility with emerging NIST standards.

To evaluate the impact, we conducted performance benchmarks comparing classical and PQC-enabled communications. We measured metrics such as latency, CPU load, and key negotiation time. Additionally, we explored automated certificate management for NFV components, preparing the ground for PQC-ready PKIs.

One major challenge was the integration of PQC into existing open-source stacks without breaking interoperability. We overcame this by using modular designs and by validating each cryptographic transition in isolated components before end-to-end testing.

Another challenge was managing resource overhead introduced by PQC algorithms. Through extensive benchmarking, we were able to quantify and mitigate the impact with configuration optimizations and efficient cipher suite selection.

Key Results and Outputs:

• Successful integration of Kyber and Dilithium into 5G control plane communications.
• Benchmarked PQC vs. classical crypto performance under realistic 5G traffic.
• Built a foundation for future automated PQC-based PKI for core network functions.
• Contributed reusable implementation guidelines for PQC adoption in telecom networks.

We believe Q-PROTECT offers a practical contribution to the field of quantum-safe communications, bridging the gap between theoretical research and operational 5G networks. By validating post-quantum mechanisms in realistic telecom scenarios, we help pave the way for scalable, secure, and standards-compliant quantum-era connectivity.

Being selected for PQ-REACT Open Call 1 was instrumental. It allowed us to extend the capabilities of our 5G lab, experiment with state-of-the-art cryptographic tools, and collaborate with experts from the quantum and networking fields. The funding and technical support enabled us to validate ideas quickly and confidently.

The most valuable aspect was the opportunity to test cutting-edge PQC technologies in a real-world setting, generating actionable insights for future deployments. It also served as a stepping stone to launch a new phase of development—now continuing under our follow-up project Q-SECURE.