Allot Leads New Israeli Post-Quantum Communications Consortium
Allot Ltd. has announced its role as a founding member and chair of a new Israeli consortium dedicated to developing post-quantum communications technology. This initiative, supported by the Israel Innovation Authority’s Technological Infrastructure Division, brings together nine companies and six universities. At this initial stage, it functions as a research consortium with no products, published results, or completed tests disclosed.
Consortium objectives
Indeed, on August 18, Allot revealed its leadership position within the new Post-Quantum Communications Consortium in Israel. Allot, a global provider of security-as-a-service and network intelligence for telecom operators and enterprises, will see its VP CTO, Dr. Yaakov Stein, chair the consortium board and head its scientific committee.
Participating members include Allot, Ceragon, Classiq, Gilat Satellite Networks, Heqa, Elta, NVIDIA, RAD, and Ribbon. Academic partners are Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Open University of Israel, the Technion, and the University of Haifa.
According to Allot, the group plans to develop and evaluate technologies based on post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and hybrid combinations of the two. The stated research scope encompasses optical, Ethernet, IP, mobile, satellite, data center, and internet-based communications.
That said, the announcement omits several details, such as a budget figure for the consortium, a timeline for deliverables, and any specific products or prototypes. It also doesn’t specify whether the work will utilize NIST-standardized PQC algorithms or proprietary schemes, nor does it name any potential customers.
Context of the announcement
A consortium represents a plan for research. The involvement of vendors whose products could enter the market being studied suggests that Allot’s members have commercial interests alongside their technical work. Government funding from the Israel Innovation Authority indicates state support for the research, though the specific amount remains undisclosed.
Allot’s perspective on this endeavor is articulated by Dr. Yaakov Stein:
Dr. Yaakov Stein, VP CTO of Allot and chair of the consortium board, stated:
“The transition to quantum-safe communications is one of the most important cybersecurity challenges facing the world today. We are proud that Allot is a founding member of this initiative, working alongside NVIDIA, RAD, leading technology innovators, and Israel’s top academic institutions.”
This statement highlights the consortium’s intent. Whether it will ultimately produce tested, deployable technology is a question that its members have yet to answer.