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AARNet Media Release
16 October, 2025

Australia’s breakthrough quantum-secure link protects data using the laws of physics

This technology promises to future-proof critical data against tomorrow’s cyber threats.

Sydney, Australia - 16 October, 2025, Australian technology has delivered a live quantum-secure link, a breakthrough that promises to future-proof critical data against tomorrow’s cyber threats.

The project brings together QuintessenceLabs, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, and AARNet, the national research and education network. By combining local expertise in quantum cyber security, digital science and advanced fibre infrastructure, the partners have successfully demonstrated a quantum key distribution (QKD) system running over standard optical fibre.

Together, these organisations are building sovereign quantum capability to protect Australia’s most valuable data.

Today’s digital world runs on long-lived data: health records, financial transactions, research findings, and personal files stored in the cloud. Criminals can already copy encrypted data and wait, hoping future computers will eventually break today’s codes.

CSIRO research scientists Dr Seyit Camtepe and Dr Sebastian Kish.


QKD stops that long-game by generating unbreakable encryption keys rooted in the laws of physics. Put simply, it uses tiny signals of light to create secret codes between two points; if anyone tries to listen in, the system takes protective action.

When deployed more widely, QKD could provide a new layer of tamper-evident security across optical fibre, complementing existing cyber-defence tools.

Using a new AARNet fibre loop at CSIRO’s Marsfield site in Sydney, QuintessenceLabs deployed its qOptica continuous variable QKD system, or CV-QKD.

Although the current system supports experiments and research, at 12.7 kilometres long the link produced strong secret key rates despite real-world fibre losses, demonstrating its readiness for practical use. The team’s next step is to extend the live link to longer distances to hopefully cover cities, states and partnering countries.

Vikram Sharma, Founder and CEO of QuintessenceLabs explains how this deployment showcases the strength of Australian collaboration in advancing quantum cybersecurity.

“Integrating CSIRO’s research expertise, AARNet’s network infrastructure, and QuintessenceLabs’ quantum technology, we have demonstrated that quantum-secure communications are practical on today’s networks,” Mr Sharma said.

“It’s a vital step toward protecting Australia’s most critical data and strengthening resilience against emerging threats."

CSIRO quantum cryptography research scientist Dr Sebastian Kish said the unique feature of QKD is that it makes fibre connections like the NBN inherently secure.

“If someone tries to tap the line, the quantum signals change and the alarms go off. It’s like giving Australia’s everyday internet an in-built security alarm, powered by the laws of physics,” Dr Kish said.

Dr Seyit Camtepe, CSIRO cyber and quantum security research scientist, explains this was a proud first step.

“Our ambition was to enable the nation to develop and test future-proof cybersecurity innovations using the laws of physics – and we’ve achieved an important milestone,” Dr Camtepe said.

Two parties, Alice and Bob, exchange security keys over a quantum channel on AARNet's operational fibre network. In an operational setting, each party would be located at a geographically distinct location.


Chief Technology Officer for AARNet David Wilde said this marks the first publicly documented deployment of quantum key distribution over telecom-grade dark fibre in Sydney, and among the first in Australia.

“Demonstrations like this show how Australia’s research network can lead the way in trialling quantum-secure communications, building the foundations for protecting critical research and education data across our wider national infrastructure,” Mr Wilde said.

Next, the partners will expand the link across a longer AARNet fibre route and test it under real-world conditions.

They will also explore an inter-city route between Canberra and Sydney and pilot integrations with VPNs and cloud key-management. Together, these efforts mark a major step toward embedding quantum-secure infrastructure across essential services and building a resilient, sovereign cyber capability.

The team is inviting enquiries from researchers, government agencies and industry to expand this technology further in Australia.

The partners

This project showcases the strength of Australian expertise and infrastructure.

  • QuintessenceLabs is an Australian-born quantum cyber security company, recently backed by investment from Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund.
  • CSIRO is expanding its work in quantum-secure cryptography and quantum key distribution to help translate research into real-world deployments.
  • AARNet, the not-for-profit national research and education network owned by Australia’s universities and CSIRO, provided the fibre infrastructure.

-ENDS-

About AARNet

AARNet (Australia’s Academic and Research Network) is the national research and education network provider, delivering high-performance telecommunications infrastructure, cyber security, and collaboration services to support Australia’s research, education, training, and innovation sectors. Owned by 38 Australian universities and CSIRO, AARNet Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries deliver services that extend and evolve the organisation’s mission. For over 30 years, AARNet has been connecting Australia’s knowledge institutions with global research and education networks, supporting collaboration and discovery at scale. For more information visit aarnet.edu.au.

Media Contact: Jane Gifford Director, Marketing & Communications, media@aarnet.edu.au

About CSIRO’s Data 61

CSIRO's Data61 is the data and digital specialist arm of Australia's national science agency. We are home to one of the largest collections of research and development expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science in the world, and host cutting-edge facilities including the Mixed Reality Lab and Robotics Innovation Centre.

Media Contact: Pamela Tyers, Communications advisor, pamela.tyers@csiro.au, 0488 995 023

About QuintessenceLabs

Founded in Canberra in 2008 as Australia’s first quantum technology company, QuintessenceLabs is at the forefront of quantum-enhanced cybersecurity solutions that support national security objectives and protect critical infrastructure. We have developed a product suite that, either separately or in combination, provide advanced solutions across key areas essential to strong cyber defence—protecting against sophisticated adversaries today and preparing for quantum computing threats tomorrow.

Our globally recognised capabilities span enabling quantum-resilient cryptography at enterprise scale, quantum key generation, and quantum-resilient key distribution. We help enterprises build high-performance, crypto-agile cybersecurity infrastructure across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid IT environments—all designed to strengthen the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive systems and data across defence, government, and critical infrastructure.

Media Contact: Jennifer Ferguson, Marketing Manager, info@quintessencelabs.com