The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and Honeywell have launched a joint initiative to develop quantum-secure satellite communication systems. The collaboration is focused on integrating Honeywell’s ‘QKDSat’ platform with TII’s Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station (ADQOGS) to establish and test end-to-end Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) links between satellites and terrestrial quantum networks.
The project addresses the distance limitations of fiber-based quantum networks by aiming to establish truly global quantum communication. QKD utilizes the quantum properties of light to generate encryption keys that are inherently immune to interception. The integration of QKDSat with ADQOGS is intended to allow experts to test and validate quantum-backed encryption methods under realistic satellite operating conditions.
The initiative is positioned as a key step toward building quantum-resilient communication infrastructure capable of safeguarding critical data for government, security, and commercial applications. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, noted that the collaboration will address the challenge of protecting critical information in a quantum-powered future.
Read the full announcement here.
November 28, 2025
