Singapore startup aims for quantum cryptography satellite launch in 2025

Singaporean space-related companies are boosting their global presence, developing quantum and semiconductor technologies for satellites by leveraging government support and the research capabilities of world-class universities.

A communications satellite equipped with quantum cryptography technology from a Singaporean company is to launch in 2025, making the city-state the first country other than China to use it on satellites.

The equipment was developed by venture company SpeQtral, which aims to establish a system that enables the transfer of encryption keys for confidential information in such fields as security and finance from one country to another without passing through third nations.

SpeQtral, founded in 2017 by researchers from the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), has attracted attention for its quantum key distribution encryption technology.

Singapore is one step ahead of the rest of the world in quantum technology, said Robert Bedington, SpeQtral’s chief technology officer. The company, in collaboration with a subsidiary of Japanese industrial group Toshiba, is developing a client base that includes government agencies and businesses.
 

The country’s space industry is supported by universities such as NUS and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which are ranked in or near the global top 10 universities. Lim Wee Seng of the NTU Satellite Research Centre said his organization constantly asks its researchers how their activities can be applied to business.

Cutting-edge companies are gathering in Singapore, drawn by technological development in niche fields led by the government’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn).

“There are many, many companies now coming out in space, more and more young companies,” OSTIn Executive Director Jonathan Hung said. “We have a very strong base in aerospace, electronics, microelectronics, precision engineering, infocomms, telecommunication sectors ... all these are areas that we try to capitalize to support the space sector.”

The government is supporting private development with subsidies of around 150 million Singapore dollars (US$111 million). It aims to build an ecosystem for space-related research in the country and attract STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) talent from around the world. There are 70 space-related companies in Singapore.

Singapore has a strong history in aviation repair and maintenance, expanding its industry to handle 10% of the world’s workload. In the space industry as well, it looks to develop world-leading technology in specified fields.

Production in the country’s aerospace sector reached SG$15.3 billion in 2023, up 70% from 2013.
 

Addvalue Technologies has developed equipment that can communicate with satellites from the ground at all times without interruption. Customers include U.S. satellite operator Capella Space and Japanese small satellite developer iQPS. Its equipment has been launched on 22 satellites, with 22 more planned in the future.

Zero-Error Systems, founded in 2019 by an NTU professor and graduates, is a leading contender in the field of satellite sustainability. It designs and manufactures chips that are resistant to radiation found in space.

The chips also are used in robots that work in nuclear reactors in other countries. They can extend the usual three-year lifespan of small satellites to nine years. Airbus Ventures, the venture capital arm of the European commercial aircraft maker, was an early investor.

Zero-Error Systems is looking at markets like Europe, the U.S., India and Japan, with CEO Rajan Rajgopal saying, “now we are in a position to sell it globally.”

The global space business market will expand to US$1.8 trillion in 2035, roughly triple the size in 2023, according to a forecast by McKinsey & Co. Despite the growth potential, geopolitical tensions between China and Russia on one side and the West are cause for concern.

Singapore has not restricted exports to China and Russia as Japan and the U.S. have, but several companies said they currently have no trade with either country, as they are imposing their own restrictions in order to facilitate business in Europe and the U.S.