Archives August 2024

TransBnk Raises Dollar4M in Series-A, Led by 8i Ventures and Accion, to Disrupt Global Transaction Banking

Mumbai, August 21, 2024: TransBnk, a Mumbai based Transaction Banking Platform, has successfully raised $4 million in Series A funding. The round was led by 8i Ventures, the early-stage India-focused VC fund known for its notable successes in the fintech space, including M2P, Slice, Easebuzz, among others. The round was co-led by Accion Venture Lab, a global impact investor backing early-stage fintech startups that expand financial access worldwide. The round also saw contributions from GMO Venture Partners, Ratio Ventures, Force Ventures along with a prominent group of family offices, institutions, and angel investors.

Since the maiden seed round last year, TransBnk has witnessed 10X revenue growth. The company plans to utilize these funds towards expanding the network of banking partners, while also pursuing global expansion plans with a focus on Middle East and South East Asia markets. It aims to leverage the first-mover advantage in these regions and build market share. Further, TransBnk intends to bolster its tech infrastructure and developments to enhance its product stack.

TransBnk provides the rails on which incumbent and new age BFSI players can build new use cases for the various business segments like lending, payments, onboarding. These rails are offering the API-led upgrade to the existing infrastructure for delivering financial services in a scalable, robust and compliant manner.

Photograph_Vaibhav Tambe, CEO and Co-Founder, TransBnk

Vaibhav Tambe, CEO and Co-Founder of TransBnk, said, “Transaction Banking has emerged as a transformative force in the banking and technology space, holding $1 trillion global market potential and is projected to be a $2 trillion industry by 2030. In India, we expect the $200 Bn unsecured lending market to be disrupted with Transaction Banking tapping cash flows. This presents a significant opportunity to us, considering our domain expertise in Banking & Technology across various segments like Lendingtech, Regtech, and Paytech.”

“We are elated with this fund-raise, which underscores investors’ confidence in our vision, team, and ability to operate in a competitive environment. With the support of 8i Ventures, Accion Venture Lab, GMO Venture Partners, Ratio Ventures and our robust team of senior ex bankers and NBFC officials, we will continue building stronger partnerships, driving success together”, Vaibhav added.

Traditional BFSI incumbents, encumbered by legacy systems, have been grappling with the challenges of meeting the new regulatory requirements for complex multi-party transactions. Sensing this challenge as an opportunity, TransBnk was conceived in 2022 by experienced veterans in transaction banking.

Vikram Chachra, Founding Partner at 8i Ventures, remarked, “TransBnk is revolutionizing India’s trillion-dollar transaction banking sector by empowering banks to offer advanced transaction services, bridging the technology gap. Their innovative approach is set to reshape the financial landscape. This investment perfectly aligns with our strategy of supporting ground-breaking fintech ventures.”

Rahil Rangwala, Managing Partner at Accion Venture Lab, commented: “Complex multi-party transactions can create bottlenecks for micro and small entrepreneurs who are often left out of, or poorly served by, the financial system and lack sufficient access to supply chain and marketplace solutions needed for growth. With strong revenue growth, TransBnk has proven that its transaction banking model can make these transactions easier, increasing access. The company is in an excellent position to expand their model internationally with this raise, enabling it to reach more underserved entrepreneurs.”

Incepted in 2022, ‘TransBnk’ enables corporates, commercial & institutional clients to make agile, secure & robust transactions with embedded finance & SaaS. In the span of only 20 months, the company has forged partnerships with over 25 Banks, extending more than 200 APIs, while working with 100 BFSI clients. The platform has supported over 5000 accounts including escrows and processed more than 50 million transactions. This has made TransBnk the preferred solution for NBFCs, Micro Finance Institutions, banks, and fintech handling complex transactions like Treasury Management, co-lending, supply chain finance, and Cash flow based lending use cases.

The banking industry has recently raised concerns about a significant decline in CASA (Current Account Saving Account) deposits, a key source of low-cost funding for banks. As of June 14, 2024, deposits have fallen by ₹3.5 lakh crore, or 1.6% year-to-date, compared to the same period last year. This decline poses a major challenge, with the CASA ratio dropping to its lowest level in nearly a decade for some institutions. In response, TransBnk has emerged as a much-needed solution, connecting banks with FinTech, NBFCs, P2P players, PPI and PG merchants, builders, and developers – entities that typically maintain large current account or escrow balances. By linking these high-balance clients with banks, TransBnk aims to strengthen CASA deposits and mitigate the issue of shrinking low-cost funding sources for Indian banks.

PhonePe’s Payment Gateway Hosts Confluence in New Delhi

New Delhi, 21st August 2024: PhonePe, India’s leading digital payments platform, successfully hosted its Payment Gateway Confluence in New Delhi. The event, designed to educate partners about India’s most rewarding affiliate program, brought together web developers, IT solution strategists, and ERP consultants for a day of learning and networking.

summit

PhonePe PG Confluence provides insights into the PG Partner Program, offering participants the opportunity to learn about product offerings and gain valuable insights into building and earning through this innovative affiliate program.

Ankit Gaur, Head of PhonePe Payment Gateway & Online Merchants, commented on the event’s success: “At PhonePe PG, we are not creating a distributor channel, we are building a partner journey founded on trust. With a strong focus on web developers, IT solution strategists, and ERP consultants, PhonePe PG Confluence provides an opportunity to learn about our product offerings and gain insights into how they can build and earn with the PhonePe PG Partner Program. This event is a testament to our commitment to creating a robust partner ecosystem that supports India’s digital transformation journey.”

The third edition of Confluence featured presentations from industry experts, providing attendees with in-depth knowledge about the PhonePe Payment Gateway solutions and the benefits of the Partner Program. Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions, ask questions, and network with peers and PhonePe representatives.

Leading brands in the payment solutions space, including Boxpay, Sellonboard, Payomatix, and Unicommerce, were part of the event, adding their unique perspectives and expertise to the discussions.

The Delhi chapter of Confluence highlighted the city’s importance as a key market for digital payment solutions and fintech innovations. The event provided a platform for local businesses to learn about PhonePe’s innovative payment solutions and network with industry peers.

PhonePe PG Partner Program enables merchants to offer their clients a complete suite of PhonePe Payment Gateway solutions, earning rewards on each transaction made by their referrals. This program is designed to create a win-win-win situation for the partner, their merchants and PhonePe, fostering growth and innovation in the digital payments ecosystem.

Empowering Education: 5 Essential Apps for K-12 Students

21st August 2024: In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience by fundamentally reshaping how information is accessed, processed, and shared. Traditional educational methods are being augmented and sometimes replaced by innovative technological tools, including educational apps, that cater to diverse learning styles and individualized needs.

Let’s take a look at the five must-have educational apps for K-12 students:

1. Zamit: Zamit is an innovative edtech platform designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for academic excellence and career readiness. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools focusing on skill development, self-assessment, and personalized learning paths. Zamit features interactive quizzes, career guidance, and an extensive library of educational content aligned with various curricula, emphasizing continuous learning and future readiness.

2. Aasoka: Aasoka is an exceptional educational app tailored for K-12 students, offering a diverse range of learning resources across subjects. The platform provides interactive video lessons, practice tests, and personalized feedback to help students grasp complex concepts effectively. Aasoka’s adaptive learning technology ensures each student receives content suited to their unique learning pace and style, making it an invaluable tool for personalized education.

3. Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a widely acclaimed free educational app that offers extensive resources for K-12 students. It features video lessons, practice exercises, and personalized learning dashboards covering subjects like math, science, history, and more. Khan Academy’s mission to provide a free, world-class education accessible to everyone makes it an indispensable resource for both students and educators.

4. Quizlet: Quizlet is a versatile study app enabling students to create and access millions of flashcards across various topics. It offers multiple study modes, including games and practice tests, to make learning engaging and effective. Quizlet’s collaborative features allow students to share study sets with peers, promoting group study and collaborative learning. Its user-friendly interface and accessibility make it a preferred choice for K-12 students.

5. Duolingo: Duolingo is a language-learning app that transforms language study into an interactive experience. It offers lessons in over 30 languages, using engaging exercises to enhance students’ speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. Duolingo’s bite-sized lessons and intuitive interface make language learning enjoyable and effective for students of all ages.

Final Words

By integrating these apps into their study routines, students can enhance their learning experiences by accessing interactive content, developing new skills through personalized learning, and achieving academic success through tailored educational approaches. These tools empower students to engage actively with their studies and adapt learning methods to suit their individual needs and goals.

Rishabh Dudhedia: Transitioning from Engineering to Superlative Cinematography

Rishabh Dudhedia

Rishabh Dudhedia‘s path is replete with tales of passion, transformation, and persistent pursuit of dreams. Since his family was deeply involved in the medical field, Rishabh began his career in a conventional manner. All three of his parents and grandparents worked in the medical field. Even though Rishabh’s family has a long history in medicine, his parents encouraged him to pursue his real interest, filmmaking. Their support was invaluable to him as he made the shift from a steady engineering career to the wild and exciting world of filmmaking.

A Bold Beginning

Rishabh started his academic career in engineering since it provided stability and was an obvious continuation of his family’s legacy of disciplined careers. He had an unrelenting calling to become a filmmaker, regardless of the opportunity. He was so drawn to filmmaking that he felt obliged to abandon engineering to pursue his love.

Media and Film Interests for Academics

Rishabh enrolled at the University of Mumbai to hone his talents, and he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in media and film. During this time, there were a number of notable successes and educational opportunities. Notably, Rishabh participated in the 48-hour short film competition. This was an inventive and challenging endeavour that led to the selection of his video as one of the top 50.

New Proficiency: Honours and Proofreading

It was immediately clear that Rishabh was an expert editor. He was honoured with an award at the prestigious Cannes Short Film Festival for his work editing a highly acclaimed short film. This project represented his early contributions to works that resonated on international stages and showcased his editing abilities.

Additional Education and Professional Accomplishments

Rishabh studied at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, California, to get a Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography as part of his academic endeavours. This postgraduate degree significantly boosted his technical proficiency and artistic vision, preparing him for the competitive world of filmmaking.

One of Rishabh’s greatest career accomplishments was serving as producer and cinematographer for the 7 Marble Productions short film “ZAMEER,” which starred the well-known actor Jackie Shroff. The largest Indian film festival in Europe, the 21st Indian Film Festival Stuttgart, and the 14th Pune Film Festival have both officially picked ZAMEER.

Stand-Alone Companies and Notable Projects

These days, Rishabh works for himself as a key grip, gaffer, and cinematographer. His reel is filled with numerous feature films and short films. Among them is the feature film “Treacherous Border,” produced by Lion & Tiger Productions. Based on a genuine story, this film was shot in Texas near the US-Mexico border and highlights Rishabh’s developing skill at narrating intricate and intensely personal stories.

Future Initiatives

It seems like thrilling new adventures are about to embark on in Rishabh’s filmmaking career. He is now working on several film scripts and a TV show pilot based on an award-winning novel. Through these initiatives, he hopes to maximise his enthusiasm and expertise, which will help him achieve greater success in the field.

Rishabh Dudhedia’s story is one of courage, dedication, and unwavering passion. His transition from the disciplined engineering hallways to the thrilling world of cinematography is evidence that one can pursue their passion and overcome the obstacles that come with it. Many are motivated to follow their ambitions with courage and imagination by Rishabh’s experiences and accomplishments as he continues to make his mark in the film business.

Sheraton Hyderabad Names Subhankar Bose as New General Manager

Hyderabad, 21st August 2024: Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Subhankar Bose as its new General Manager. Fresh from the celebrations of being honoured with a Top 20 GM People’s Choice Awards 2024, Subhankar brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in driving operational excellence and boosting sales efforts. In his new role, he will play an instrumental role in guiding the Sheraton Hyderabad team towards enhanced guest satisfaction and service excellence.

subhankar bose

Prior to his current role, he was the General Manager at Kochi Marriott Hotel since February 2021. His leadership contributed significantly towards community development and the advancement of associates. “Through the pioneering ‘Life on Time’ program by Marriott International, a QR code feedback system, and platforms like ‘Frankly Speaking With Subhankar,’ Bose championed work-life balance at the property. He also partnered with the Kochi Metro and Rajagiri College on thrifting activities to uplift impoverished communities through sustainable initiatives—a direct reflection of Marriott values. Under his able leadership, Kochi Marriott won the Chief Minister’s Excellence Award for labour welfare in star hotel and resort category to Marriott Hotel, Kochi in 2022. In a previous appointment, he also played a pivotal role as the General Manager of the Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, where he piloted the property in its positioning activations and accelerated food and beverage reputation within the crème de la crème of Bengaluru.

His experience encompasses diverse operational roles across competitive hotel markets including cities such as Bengaluru, Kochi, New Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Kolkata. He has worked across esteemed brands in India such as Taj Hotels, Hyatt International, and Accor Hotels.

He truly believes that with a rich professional life, individuals also need an equally wholesome personal life—one that’s filled with hobbies and leisure time. Immersing himself in the world of Indian classical music, he is a gifted tabla enthusiast. Further, being an avid traveler, he naturally picks up bits and pieces of local cultures by learning their language and experiencing regional flavours in all the destinations he visits. And it is exactly the learnings from all these wonderful passions that will enhance his stint as General Manager at Sheraton Hyderabad in a city which is perfectly situated at the confluence of business, culture, and contemporary lifestyle.

The Evolving Entrepreneurial Landscape: Insights from Business Veterans

21st August 2024: On World Entrepreneur Day, we take a closer look at the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. In an era where the global business landscape is in constant flux, the ability to adapt and innovate has never been more critical. Industry pioneers, who are actively shaping their fields and leading with adaptability and innovation, share their powerful insights on the key trends, challenges, and opportunities defining the entrepreneurial landscape today. Their experiences offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the modern business world.

Turning Challenges into Innovation

“Entrepreneurship is the art of turning challenges into opportunities and pushing the frontiers of innovation. On World Entrepreneur Day, I honor the unwavering spirit of those who dare to dream and the teams that bring those dreams to life. At Addverb, we embarked on a mission to revolutionize robotics and automation, and today, we stand as pioneers in this transformation. This journey has been fueled by the passion and dedication of our team, who share a common belief in the power of technology to shape a better future. The road of entrepreneurship is never easy, but it’s the challenges we overcome that define our success.”- Sangeet Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO of Addverb

Embracing Digital Transformation

“Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind technological evolution, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Through the power of AI and advanced analytics, industries are reshaping traditional methods, creating more intelligent and efficient solutions. On this World Entrepreneur Day, we celebrate the pioneers who are not just building businesses but transforming entire industries—driving progress in technology, recruitment, AI, and Gen AI. These entrepreneurs are the change-makers, forging a future that is both innovative and inclusive.” – Lokesh Nigam, Co-founder & CEO, Konverz.ai

Elevating Exclusivity and Personalization in a Changing World

“On World Entrepreneur Day, we honor the innovators who are shaping the future with their creativity, vision, and determination. In the luxury lifestyle management industry, entrepreneurs are crucial in redefining what exclusivity and personalization mean. Today’s high-net-worth individuals seek more than just services—they crave bespoke experiences that resonate with their unique tastes and values. As entrepreneurs in this specialized field, we are not only tasked with meeting these expectations but also with anticipating them, providing our clients with seamless access to the extraordinary. This entrepreneurial spirit compels us to continually push boundaries, evolve, and craft solutions that transcend convenience, creating moments of unparalleled luxury and joy. It is this mindset that enables us to deliver exceptional service, ensuring each client feels uniquely valued in a world where their needs are constantly evolving.”- Manoj Adlakha, Founder and CEO, RedBeryl

The Rise of Purpose-Driven Businesses

“Entrepreneurship is more than just a profession, it is a mindset, a pursuit to innovate and lead a change. Being the architects of the future, entrepreneurs build solutions to overcome challenges and make a difference. I believe entrepreneurship is all about creating value, inspiring others, and building a legacy. In this constantly evolving world, entrepreneurs play the role of catalysts, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible. Let’s celebrate the entrepreneurs—those who envision, those who execute, and those who guide us into what’s next.” – Advait Kumar, Founder, Boon

As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, these insights from seasoned industry pioneers offer valuable guidance for navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities of the future.

Decathlon to Invest Euro100 Million in India: Expanding Stores, Digital Reach, and Local Manufacturing

DECATHLON, a global leading multi-specialist sports brand, today announced a significant investment of €100 million in India over the next five years. This investment will be channelled towards expanding the store network to reach 190 stores across India, enhancing digital engagement, and deepening its commitment to local manufacturing.

India has emerged as a pivotal market for DECATHLON, exhibiting remarkable growth. This substantial investment underscores the company’s long-term vision for the country, extending beyond business growth to foster sports participation and sustainable development.

Steve Dykes, Global Chief Retail and Countries Officer, DECATHLON: “India is a cornerstone of DECATHLON’s global ambition. Its vibrant market and talented workforce present unprecedented opportunities. We are committed to accelerating our growth here, expanding our reach, and making a positive impact on people’s lives through sports. India’s potential to become a global manufacturing and innovation hub for DECATHLON is immense and we are excited to nurture local talent and contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a sporting powerhouse.”

Sankar Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer, DECATHLON India: “India is a dynamic and growing market with a burgeoning sports culture. This investment reflects our unwavering belief in the country’s potential and our commitment to contributing to its economic growth. We aim to make everyone enjoy the benefits of sports, and this investment will enable us to reach a wider audience and offer a more comprehensive sports experience. We aim to create a lasting impact by fostering sports participation, generating employment in India, and promoting sustainable practices.”

Aligned with its global purpose to “Move People Through the Wonders of Sport,” DECATHLON’s strategy involves a multi-pronged approach. Beyond retail and production, the company is dedicated to creating opportunities for sports participation through initiatives like Play for Practice. This program focuses on events, playgrounds, and coaching classes to bring sports to everyone.

DECATHLON is significantly increasing its commitment to Indian manufacturing. Currently, around 8% of its global product range, including all cricket bats, accessories, and most hockey equipment, is produced in India. Today 68% of quantities sold in India are made in India. The company aims to boost this figure to 85% by 2026, solidifying India as a major manufacturing hub for DECATHLON.

Moreover, the company is transitioning its Indian manufacturing facilities to green energy, aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon footprint. Additionally, DECATHLON is actively implementing circular economy models to promote sustainability.

DECATHLON is committed to making a positive impact on Indian communities. By collaborating with employees, the DECATHLON Foundation, and local partners, the company will continue to expand access to sports, education, and employment opportunities across the country to contribute significantly to India’s economic and social progress.

3DXB Group Pioneers Sustainable 3D-Printed Outdoor Furniture for Dubai’s Growing Urban Spaces

August 21, 2024 – Dubai, UAE: The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to increase the Emirate’s population by 75% to 5.8 million by 2040, emphasizes the need for sustainable infrastructure and public amenities to support this growth. Part of this vision includes expanding public and green spaces, where innovative solutions like 3D-printed outdoor furniture can play a crucial role.

As Dubai advances in sustainable urban development, 3DXB Group is at the forefront of innovation with its 3D-printed outdoor furniture. Designed for gardens, school playgrounds, hospital areas, and university campuses, these durable, eco-friendly, and customizable solutions align perfectly with the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which focuses on enhancing the city’s livability and sustainability.

Chairman 3DXB GROUP

“3D printing allows us to create tailored outdoor furniture that meets the specific requirements of each space,” said Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, Chairman of 3DXB Group. “Our products are customizable to meet the specific needs of different environments and contribute to Dubai’s broader sustainability goals by minimizing waste and reducing carbon footprints.”
Al Balooshi added, “3DXB Group provides tailored furniture options that enhance aesthetic appeal and meet the practical needs of Dubai’s evolving urban landscape.”

Recent studies show that Dubai is set to double its green spaces and introduce nearly 13.6 square kilometers of new city-level parks by 2040. 3DXB Group’s 3D-printed furniture is designed to complement these initiatives, providing durable, eco-friendly seating, playground structures, and garden elements that can be easily integrated into both public and private spaces. The ability to produce customized pieces quickly and efficiently means that schools, hospitals, and residential communities can benefit from modern designs that enhance functionality while contributing to environmental sustainability.

3DXB Group’s approach also supports the Dubai 2040 Plan’s goals of reducing automobile dependency and increasing walkability by ensuring that outdoor spaces are well-equipped with comfortable and attractive furniture that encourages outdoor activities. This is particularly important as Dubai plans to develop a connected and permeable pedestrian network to promote walking and cycling, which are key components of the city’s mobility strategy.

As Dubai’s urban areas expand, the demand for sustainable and innovative outdoor furniture solutions will only grow. 3DXB Group is committed to leading this charge, offering 3D-printed products that are technologically advanced and aligned with the city’s vision for a greener, more sustainable future.

SKT Signs Partnership Agreement with Lambda

Seoul, Korea, August 21, 2024SK Telecom, announced that it entered into a partnership agreement with Lambda, the GPU cloud company founded by AI engineers, for collaboration in the AI cloud business.

skt

The two companies agreed to establish a large-scale NVIDIA GPU cluster to support AI cloud business opportunities in South Korea. SKT and Lambda will deploy NVIDIA GPU clusters in SK Broadband’s Gasan data center in Korea by the end of this year. This cluster will be based on Lambda’s cloud computing platform, accelerated by NVIDIA.

Establishing a strategic partnership with Lambda underscores SKT’s commitment to providing unprecedented access to scalable AI infrastructure in South Korea. SKT will launch AI cloud services, including GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), to enable enterprises to access GPU cloud services on an as-needed basis to develop or utilize AI services.

The collaboration between the two companies is expected to boost the expansion of SKT’s AI cloud services into the global market.

“A strategic partnership with Lambda will strengthen our competitiveness in AI cloud services and develop greater business opportunities in Korea,” said Kim Kyeong-deog, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Division at SKT.

“SKT shares in our vision to make GPU compute as ubiquitous as electricity,” said Lambda CEO and co-founder Stephen Balaban. “Given the rapid pace of innovation in AI happening in  South Korea, we’re excited to partner with SKT and support their effort to grow and develop their AI cloud expertise in the region.”

The Road to Post-Quantum Cryptography

What does the future hold for quantum computing, and are we on the brink of a major breakthrough? Recent advancements by industry giants and startups suggest we’re closer than ever to realizing the potential of this transformative technology.

In 2019, researchers at Google built a programmable quantum computer that achieved quantum supremacy. That is, it performed a task that no traditional computer could perform in a reasonable amount of time. In this case, quantum computing researchers performed a test computation in about 200 seconds that would have taken a supercomputer using today’s best algorithm thousands of years to calculate.

However, the continued development of quantum computers faces several technical hurdles. Qubits, which are the basic building blocks of quantum computers, are extremely sensitive to outside interference. To really use quantum computers, researchers need better ways to correct the errors created by that interference.

“The field has seen significant progress recently, driven by improvements in qubit quality, error rates and scalability, alongside substantial investments from large tech companies and startups,” said IEEE Senior Member Kevin Curran. “A key challenge remains in error correction, with advancements here being potentially transformative. Additionally, the development of new quantum algorithms could significantly enhance the utility of quantum computers.”

Here, he discusses recent advances in quantum computing, what’s holding the technology back and the leading edge of post-quantum cybersecurity.

Can you discuss any major developments in quantum computing that have increased the accessibility of quantum computers?

“In recent years, quantum computing has made significant strides across several key areas. The availability of quantum computing through cloud services by major tech companies has democratized access, enabling more widespread research and development. There has been substantial growth in hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, which combine classical and quantum computing strengths to tackle complex problems.

“Researchers have also expanded the portfolio of quantum algorithms with potential exponential speed-ups over classical methods, finding applications in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, finance and material sciences. These developments signal a shift towards more practical and impactful quantum computing applications soon.”

What is your view on the future of quantum computing and the likelihood of a near-term breakthrough?

“Predicting a near-term breakthrough in quantum computing is complex due to the interplay of technological advancements and theoretical innovations. While many experts suggest that practical, scalable quantum computers that consistently outperform classical systems may still be a few years away, there is optimism about achieving specific milestones soon. The next five to 10 years will likely be crucial for witnessing significant advancements in this area.”

Y2Q stands for years-to-quantum, a shorthand for the point at which quantum computers can crack current encryption algorithms. What’s your perspective on this milestone?

“It’s crucial because quantum computers could potentially decrypt data previously thought to be secure, affecting everything from government communications to private internet transactions. Those most at risk include governments, financial institutions, technology companies, healthcare organizations and anyone relying on secure internet use.”

What’s the status of post-quantum encryption algorithms?

“Quantum-resistant cybersecurity algorithms, developed to secure communications against the potential threats of quantum computers, are rooted in mathematical problems believed to withstand classical and quantum attacks. The ongoing standardization efforts by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which began in 2016, are critical in evaluating these algorithms for security and practicality, enhancing confidence in their robustness.

“Besides the efforts by NIST to standardize post-quantum cryptography, there are several other emerging standards and algorithms in the field of quantum computing. These include the Internet Engineering Task Force and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, which also focus on quantum-resistant cryptographic standards.”

How confident are you in these quantum-resistant algorithms?

“While these post-quantum cryptography systems are well-understood, they haven’t been tested as extensively as traditional cryptographic methods.

“As the cryptographic community continues to scrutinize and improve these algorithms, our confidence in them grows. However, this is a gradual process contingent on further research and adaptation to emerging threats. Therefore, while there is promising progress in the development of quantum-resistant algorithms, a cautious approach remains prudent as the field evolves.”