BW Digital and Squareroot8 plan quantum-secure link
BW Digital and Squareroot8 Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding on quantum-secure connectivity across Southeast Asia, with initial work centred on BW Digital's infrastructure spanning Singapore and Batam.
The agreement covers the integration of Squareroot8 Technologies' quantum-secure encryption and quantum network connectivity into BW Digital's regional digital ecosystem. The companies linked the work to cross-border enterprise connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia.
BW Digital's regional platform combines the NDP1 data centre, the Nongsa-Changi submarine cable, and the Citra Connect terrestrial fibre network. The company said the platform has reached the final stage of construction and is expected to be ready for service in the first half of 2026.
BW Digital is based in Singapore and is part of the BW Group. The company develops, builds, and operates digital infrastructure in several markets. It also owns the Hawaiki submarine cable, which connects Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Squareroot8 Technologies develops quantum communication products and services for information security applications. The company is based in Singapore.
Security focus
The companies framed the partnership around concerns that advances in quantum computing will weaken today's common encryption methods. They pointed to the risk of "harvest-now, decrypt-later" attacks, in which attackers capture encrypted data now and attempt to decrypt it later, once computing resources improve.
They also pointed to rising commercial interest in quantum cryptography. Polaris Market Research projected the global quantum cryptography market will rise from about USD $700 million in 2024 to more than USD $18 billion by 2034. The forecast implied a compound annual growth rate of about 38%.
BW Digital described its regional ecosystem as a hub for cloud services, AI workloads, digital operations, and cross-border enterprise connectivity. The partnership statement said the parties intend to implement quantum security measures for data, communications, and AI workloads.
Technology approach
The companies drew a distinction between "quantum-safe" approaches and "quantum-secure" technologies. They said "quantum-safe" approaches rely on mathematical algorithms designed to resist future quantum attacks. They described quantum-secure technologies as methods that use physical principles.
The parties highlighted quantum key distribution as a technique relevant to the work. They said quantum key distribution generates and exchanges encryption keys in a way that detects interception attempts.
The statement said embedding Squareroot8 Technologies' tools into BW Digital's infrastructure will address long-lived data, real-time communications and AI-driven digital processes. It also said the work will target post-quantum protection over the lifecycle of digital assets.
Regional build-out
BW Digital's campus at Nongsa Digital Park in Batam includes the 144MW NDP1 data centre. It also includes the submarine cable between Singapore and Batam, as well as a terrestrial fibre network.
Companies across the region have sought data centre capacity and connectivity in Batam and nearby locations. Singapore has previously imposed constraints on data centre development due to energy and land constraints, while also investing in technology strategy and regulation.
The partnership statement referenced national quantum and cybersecurity strategies in several Southeast Asian countries. It said the agreement will provide a pathway to adoption through real-world deployments, with validation of performance, interoperability, and operational readiness.
The companies also positioned the work around regional digital transformation activity and demand for secure connectivity. They referenced the use of AI-powered services across cloud and hyperscale platforms.
Executive views
"Partnering with BW Digital allows us to bring quantum-secure technologies from concept into practical deployment. Quantum security is fundamentally different from traditional or 'quantum-safe' approaches; it is built on physics, not assumptions about future computing power. By combining our expertise with BW Digital's regional infrastructure and AI-driven platforms, we aim to help organizations take meaningful steps toward long-term cyber resilience in a post-quantum world," said Cristofer Quek, CEO, Squareroot8 Technologies.
BW Digital linked the agreement to its broader approach for its regional platform and its interest in local technology development.
"Quantum technology and security represent the next frontier in the digital transformation. This collaboration with Squareroot8 Technologies aligns with our mission to deliver a secure and future-ready digital ecosystem, empowering customers with next-generation infrastructure solutions. It also reflects BW Digital's strategy to foster 'Made in Singapore' technological innovation and start-ups," said Florent Blot, Chief Business Officer, BW Digital.
The companies said they will work with industry partners on deployments tied to BW Digital's Singapore and Batam connectivity routes, with a stated focus on quantum-secure protection for sensitive data and AI workloads.