New Zealand Joins Forces with Korea on Quantum Communication Initiatives
A Collaborative Spark for Secure, Long-Distance Networks
New Zealand and South Korea have inaugurated three joint quantum communication research projects designed to enable secure networks over vast distances, shrink hardware sizes, and facilitate cross-signal interoperability. One project aims to deploy quantum repeaters that use rare-earth quantum memories within photonic circuits to extend ultra-secure communication across cities and even countries. Two other efforts focus on (1) a chip-based quantum light source to reduce the cost of quantum key distribution (QKD) and (2) a signal interface capable of linking light-based and microwave-based quantum systems. The collaboration highlights a photo by FlyD on Unsplash.
The joint effort, announced by New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), marks a push to make long-distance quantum communication more practical. The three projects are part of the New Zealand–Korea Joint Research Partnerships Programme, a triennial funding initiative that supports bilateral science and technology work between the two nations.
MBIE quotes Heather Penny, Manager Specialised Investments, noting that quantum communication was selected as the focus for the 2025 funding round because breakthroughs could deliver substantial benefits to people and the economy—ranging from safer online banking to secure health data sharing and enhanced protection against cyber threats.
The latest proposals were administered by the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies on behalf of MBIE. In New Zealand, funding is provided through the government’s Catalyst Fund, according to the MBIE release.
Frédérique Vanholsbeeck, Director of the Dodd-Walls Centre, explains that although quantum communication holds strong promise, significant engineering hurdles remain. Encoding quantum information into photons, then transmitting them long distances while preserving their quantum properties to enable inter-system communication, is a complex challenge.
Quantum communication relies on the principles of quantum physics to protect data. In essence, it enables two parties to share encryption keys in a way that reveals any eavesdropping attempts. While the underlying science is well established, scaling it to operate across cities, borders, and existing telecom networks requires solving substantial engineering problems. The three projects seek to tackle several of these barriers.
The partnership leverages New Zealand’s strengths in quantum science and photonics with South Korea’s engineering prowess and manufacturing capabilities. The aim is to build foundational components for future quantum networks that could serve government, defense, finance, and eventually everyday digital communications.
Ultra-Secure Relays
The first project brings together researchers from the University of Otago and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to develop quantum repeaters. These devices function as secure relay nodes, allowing fragile quantum signals to travel longer distances without losing their quantum properties.
The approach uses rare-earth quantum memories embedded in sophisticated photonic circuits. This enables controlled storage and re-emission of single photons, enabling a secure handoff of quantum information from one network segment to the next. If successful, these repeaters could support ultra-secure communication across cities and international boundaries, lay the groundwork for scalable quantum networks, and enable modular quantum computing that links smaller quantum systems.
Chip-Based Light Sources
A second project pairs the University of Auckland with KAIST to create a compact quantum light source. Today’s quantum communication systems often rely on bulky optical setups that are expensive and difficult to integrate with conventional telecom infrastructure.
Researchers aim to replace these large systems with a chip-scale device that generates the specialized light required for QKD. A chip-based source would make quantum key distribution cheaper, smaller, and easier to deploy over existing fiber-optic networks. Initially, the work is expected to support ultra-secure communication for government, defense, and financial customers, with broader public use anticipated later. It also paves the way for cost-effective manufacturing and quicker commercialization of integrated quantum photonic components.
Bridging Light and Microwave Quantum Signals
The third project teams the University of Otago with Kyung Hee University to tackle a different challenge: linking quantum signals that operate in distinct physical forms. Some quantum systems rely on light, while others use microwave signals. Today, these systems largely exist in separate realms.
The joint team is developing an interface that connects light and microwave signals via surface acoustic waves and light resonators. Surface acoustic waves are vibrations that travel along a material’s surface and can interact with both light and electronic signals. Using them as a bridge, the researchers hope to enable secure, seamless transfer of signals across mixed quantum networks and support future hybrid technologies that combine communication with computing capabilities.
For more information about the programme and its successful proposals, visit the MBIE website.
