Applied Quantum supports operators of grids, plants, transport systems and industrial networks where safety, resilience and uptime are non negotiable. We help you understand how quantum technologies affect your OT/ICS, IT and supply chains – and where quantum sensing, optimisation or simulation can genuinely improve operations.
Sector Overview
Critical‑infrastructure and industrial operators sit where physical systems, OT/ICS, IT and national‑level risk meet. Their environments are complex, safety‑critical and often regulated – and were rarely designed with strong, agile cryptography in mind.
As grids, plants, networks and logistics chains become more connected and data‑rich, quantum becomes relevant in two ways:
- as a risk to long‑lived control systems, telemetry and operational data;
- as a tool for sensing, optimisation and simulation to enhance safety, reliability and efficiency.
Who we work with
We support operators across:
- Power generation, transmission and distribution.
- Oil, gas and petrochemical production, pipelines and trading.
- Water, wastewater and environmental‑infrastructure operations.
- Transportation networks.
- Manufacturing – discrete, process, automotive, aerospace, semiconductor and more.
- Logistics, warehousing, parcel and freight operators.
- Smart cities, building automation and large industrial campuses.
Where quantum matters
Building with quantum and quantum‑inspired methods
- Quantum sensing for asset monitoring, anomaly detection, navigation, timing and environmental measurement.
- Quantum and quantum‑inspired optimisation for network flows, routing, maintenance planning and resource allocation.
- Quantum‑enhanced modelling and simulation for complex industrial systems and resilience planning.
Defending against the quantum computing threat
- PQC and crypto‑modernisation for OT and IT: control systems, telemetry, VPNs, management and remote‑access channels.
- Quantum‑risk assessments that take into account safety, regulatory and operational constraints.
- Securing quantum‑enabled systems and sensors so they don’t introduce new, poorly understood attack surfaces.
Key challenges in critical infrastructure & industrial
- Legacy OT and ICS equipment with tight safety envelopes and long lifecycles.
- Fragmented ownership between operators, vendors, integrators and service providers.
- Sector‑specific regulation and supervision, often tied to national security.
- Difficulty aligning cyber, engineering, operations and risk on quantum priorities.
- Limited capacity for experiments that might disrupt production or safety cases.
How Applied Quantum helps
- Quantum Security, PQC & Risk – OT/ICS‑aware quantum‑risk assessments, cryptographic inventories, PQC and crypto‑modernisation roadmaps, key‑management and secure network designs.
- Strategy & Opportunity – sector‑specific quantum strategy, capability assessments and use‑case mapping focused on safety, resilience and efficiency.
- Engineering & Implementation – sensing strategy and integration, optimisation and simulation PoCs, quantum‑ready architectures for industrial and grid environments.
- Commercialization & TTO Support – for industrial technology vendors and joint ventures developing quantum‑enabled products and services for critical infrastructure.
Relevant Case Studies
Quantum-Proofing the Power Infrastructure
An electric utility company, responsible for power generation, transmission, and distribution across a large region, recognized that its grid operations are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure that must remain secure and reliable against all threats. In light of reports that quantum computers could eventually crack common encryption, the utility grew concerned about the resilience of its control systems and communication networks.
Quantum Readiness for a Critical Infrastructure Operator
Building a quantum‑risk and readiness baseline - We worked with a critical infrastructure operator to assess how quantum threats intersected with long‑lived data, OT/ICS systems and national regulatory expectations. The engagement delivered a formal quantum‑risk profile, a maturity and readiness baseline, and a prioritised roadmap covering PQC, network security, sensing pilots and workforce development.
Quantum-Safe Signaling and Optimization for Rail Systems
A major metropolitan mass transit authority, operating an extensive rail and subway system, recognized that its ongoing digital modernization brought with it new cybersecurity challenges – especially with the looming prospect of quantum computers. Modern rail systems depend on secure communication: signaling systems send commands to trains, positive train control systems prevent collisions, and operational data about train positions and speeds flow constantly.
Relevant Insights
Entanglement-Based QKD Protocols: E91 and BBM92
While prepare-and-measure QKD currently leads the market due to simplicity and higher key rates, entanglement-based QKD protocols like E91 and BBM92 are at the heart of next-generation quantum communications. Ongoing improvements in photonic technology are steadily closing the gap in ...
Quantum Sensing and AI for Drone and Nano-Drone Detection
Quantum sensing technologies are emerging as powerful tools to detect and track UASs, including small and nano-drones that often evade conventional sensors. These quantum sensors, such as quantum radars, quantum LiDARs, atomic magnetometers, and Rydberg RF detectors, exploit phenomena like ...
Quantum Era Demands Changes to ALL Enterprise Systems
In my work with various clients, I frequently encounter a significant misunderstanding about the scope of preparations required to become quantum ready. Many assume that the transition to a post-quantum world will be straightforward, involving only minor patches to a ...
If you’re responsible for critical infrastructure or industrial operations and want to understand where quantum fits among many competing priorities, let’s talk.
We can help you build a realistic view of quantum risk, identify high value use cases, and design programmes that respect your safety, regulatory and operational constraints.
- Inquire about our services
- Request detailed analyst reports
- Learn about our educational programs
- Discuss partnership opportunities
- Explore our R&D collaboration
- Get support for your quantum security
- Request a demo of our solutions