The project is being carried out by two innovative technology start-ups (Multiverse Computing and IQM Quantum Computing) recently established in the Paris region, and by a major player in the insurance sector (Allianz France) to provide innovative solutions to the problems posed by cyberthreats.
In partnership with Teratec, GENCI and Le Lab Quantique, the Paris Region is strengthening its leadership in acquiring the quantum advantage through the prism of its Pack Quantique program, initiated in 2020. This new project, entitled AQACYB, for "Avantage Quantique pour l'Analyse de CYBermenaces", involves exploring the potential of quantum and quantum-inspired approaches to boost Machine Learning algorithms applied to the detection and analysis of cyberthreats. This is an unprecedented intersection of cybersecurity, Machine Learning and hybrid quantum computing.
The case of corporate threats is particularly telling: ill-intentioned internal or external stakeholders may have accounts giving them legitimate access to IT systems, which they were initially given to use in the course of their duties. But these authorizations could be abused to harm the organization. The losses associated with this type of conduct are chiffrent in the tens of millions of euros for some players. Afin order to improve the analysis of these events, Allianz proposes to work from June 2023 with the two start-ups Multiverse Computing and IQM on a two-year exploration project, co-financed by theRégion Ile-de-France as part of the Pack Quantique.
"Allianz France is pursuing its commitment to protecting its customers' data and preserving their digital confiance through cybersecurity tools that can be strengthened thanks to the development of the AQACYB project," emphasizes Olivier Salomon, DeepTech & Innovation Advisor atAllianz France. Multiverse will provide the AQACYB project with its expertise in quantum algorithms and quantum-inspired approaches, already used by numerous customers in various sectors. In addition to its know-how in the field of quantum Machine Learning, IQM will provide the project with simulation capabilities, and access to a quantum computer to validate the algorithms studied.
"This strategic collaboration between IQM and Multiverse is a major milestone in our mission to develop quantum solutions to solve complex problems. As pan-European leaders in our respective fields, we are delighted to contribute to the protection of Allianz France's customers against cyber threats.This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to the region and to strengthening the quantum ecosystem in the Paris region.We look forward to working closely together to deliver innovative cybersecurity models," say Michel Kurek, CEO France of Multiverse Computing, and Xavier Geoffret, Technical SalesManager at IQM. Thomas Fauvel, Deep Tech Industry Expert at Choose Paris Region, which supports international companies wishing to set up in the Paris Region, says: "This project perfectly illustrates the aGractiveness of the Paris Region in quantum technologies, by offranting these foreign companies the same regional support as any locally-based company around technologies that are nevertheless reputed to be sensitive".In effet, Multiverse Computing and IQM Quantum Computing hail respectively from San Sebastian in Spain and Aalto on the outskirts of Helsinki in Finland, and have both set up in the Paris Region in 2021 with the help of Choose Paris Region.
Like the other projects co-financed by the Pack Quantique Ile-de-France, AQACYB will benefit from privileged access to the computing resources made available by the HQI (France Hybride HPC Quantum Initiative), part of the Stratégie Nationale Quantique (National Quantum Strategy) spearheaded by the SGPI, with the support of CEA, GENCI and INRIA.