A new European research project called QuantumPUF - Portable Readout Quantum Physical Unclonable Functions - aims to develop a new generation of authentication technologies designed to remain secure even in the era of quantum computing. The initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers and institutions across Europe to address emerging cybersecurity challenges.
The project is coordinated by the Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT) in Portugal and involves an international consortium that includes the Universidade de Aveiro, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Universidad de Vigo, Université de Genève, the Croatian innovation company Research and Innovation Services (RISE), and the Portuguese technology company AdvayaTech.
The core research team includes several leading scientists in quantum communication, photonics, and materials science. Among them are Paulo André, Ana Bastos, Paulo Mateus, Emmanuel Cruzeiro, Preeti Yadav, and Chrysoula Vlachou, who are part of the IT research group working on quantum information and photonic technologies.
Additional key contributors from partner institutions include Rute Ferreira, Luís Carlos, Vítor Sencadas, Carlos Brites, and Lianshe Fu from the Universidade de Aveiro, as well as international experts such as Nicola Pinna (Humboldt University of Berlin), Marcos Curty, Davide Rusca, and Hugo Zbinden from the Universidad de Vigo, and Nicolas Brunner from the Université de Genève.
The QuantumPUF project focuses on developing Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) based on photonic materials and quantum principles. These unique physical identifiers act like fingerprints embedded in materials, making them impossible to replicate. Such technology could be used to authenticate electronic devices, protect supply chains, prevent counterfeiting, and secure Internet-of-Things systems.
To achieve this, researchers will create advanced luminescent materials capable of generating unique optical signatures. These signatures can be read using optical sensors, including portable devices and potentially even smartphone cameras, enabling secure and accessible authentication systems.
Over its 48-month duration, the project will combine advances in photonics, materials engineering, and quantum cryptography to build a new framework for quantum-secure authentication. The collaboration between universities, research institutes, and industry partners aims to ensure that the results move beyond fundamental research toward real-world security applications.
Together, the QuantumPUF team represents a strong European effort to develop future-proof security technologies capable of protecting digital infrastructure in the coming quantum age.
The QuantumPUF project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme through the EIC Pathfinder Open call, with a total budget of approximately €3 million supporting the international research consortium.