KETS Quantum Security has named Stuart Woods as executive chair to guide the startup’s focus on building a scalable, cost-effective quantum key distribution (QKD) component 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.

Woods has over three decades of experience and has led a number of technology companies ranging from startups to publicly traded, multi-million-pound businesses. He recently joined the NNF Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen as CSO and head of innovation and partnerships. He has also served as managing director at Oxford Instruments NanoScience, where he played a central role in scaling quantum and cryogenic solutions globally.

This appointment was made in June and Woods will also be supporting a Series A fundraise to enable KETS to continue its expansion. The appointment is the latest hire for KETS which has grown by over a third in the last year, with revenue increasing by over 70 per cent year on year.

Chris Erven, CEO and co-founder at KETS Quantum Security, commented: “Stuart’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for KETS, signaling 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. And coupled with his unparalleled expertise in building and nurturing world-class teams, makes him the ideal individual to guide us into our next chapter. As KETS intensifies its focus on embedding cutting-edge quantum-safe chips at scale across various industries, Stuart’s strategic vision, deep sector expertise, and robust leadership will be invaluable in driving our mission forward and solidifying our position as a leader in quantum technology.”

Woods 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. The team at KETS is what attracted me to the business. Success comes from finding the right people and I felt a real connection with the group. Quantonation’s continued support of QKD investments continues to be an important benchmark. Embedding quantum security at the hardware level across national and global transport layers ensures resilience isn’t an afterthought, but a foundational principle, but cost and components must be considered equal to the network design.”

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Categories: Press Releases

Tags: keds, quantum