Swindon & Wiltshire News
Quantum security start-up appoints executive chair
A Bristol-based start-up that is tackling the threat of quantum computer hacking has appointed a new executive chair.
With a career spanning Oxford Instruments and the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Stuart Woods is joining at a time when KETS Quantum Security has grown revenue by 70 per cent in the past year.
Quantum computers promise huge breakthroughs, but they also put today’s encryption and our national security at risk.
If the technology were to fall into the wrong hands, it has the potential to expose sensitive data from financial records to trade secrets.
With a career spanning Oxford Instruments and the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Woods is joining at a time when KETS has grown revenue by 70 per cent in the past year.
He will guide the startup’s focus on building a scalable, cost-effective quantum key distribution omponent product offering for QKD communication integrators.
His expertise in commercialising complex technologies and driving strategic partnerships will be instrumental as KETS Quantum Security advances the adoption of its quantum key distribution chips with communications integrators for applications in defence and critical infrastructure.
he will also be supporting a Series A fundraise to enable KETS to continue its expansion.
Chris Erven, CEO and co-founder at KETS Quantum Security, said: “Stuart’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for KETS, signalling a new era of growth and innovation.
“He has a proven track record of successfully scaling and positioning complex technologies from concept to widespread adoption.
“This, coupled with his unparalleled expertise in building and nurturing world-class teams, makes him the ideal individual to guide us into our next chapter.
Stuart added: “I am a true believer in the impact of quantum computing and quantum networking. It is changing the world as we know it.
“While existing encryptions will be broken, KETS has developed the solution in a truly world-leading approach with real scalability. It is only by considering cost and a balanced approach to trusted nodes can we enable QKD.”
