FOCAL brings together partners with diverse technical roles and application contexts, spanning research, industry, standardization, and deployment. Our partners engage with post quantum cryptography from distinct use case perspectives, including embedded and automotive systems, satellite communications, semiconductor platforms, and large scale edge to cloud infrastructures. Here’s what our partners say about FOCAL:
What motivated your organization to join the FOCAL consortium?
“The Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is fundamental for the security domain and particular for the operation and protection of critical infrastructures . Given the capabilities and capacity of Cyberecocul Global Service in the security domain, I consider the establishment and participation to FOCAL, what a fundamental activity for the way ahead.” Dr. Marios Thoma, Managing Director, Cyberecocul Global Services
“Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is an important transition to safeguard Europe’s cryptographic security. We are excited to help shape this transition by enabling end-to-end integration in practical proof-of-concept scenarios, moving PQC from theory into real-world deployment alongside a diverse cast of research and industry partners.” Robbe Haegeman, PhD researche at IDLab, Ghent Universtiy, in collaboration with imec
“For NXP, the transition to post-quantum cryptography is a key long-term effort to ensure the security of our devices. This is especially important in markets with long design cycles and device lifetimes where highly sensitive data is processed, such as the automotive and medical domains. In FOCAL, NXP sees a vital consortium that will move PQC from lab setups towards production deployments on low-power edge devices. This is enabled with by the diverse set of partners in FOCAL, from semiconductor companies over standardization bodies , research labs & universities to industry OEMs.” NXP
“We joined FOCAL because securing future wireless and satellite communications against emerging threats—especially in the post-quantum era—requires coordinated progress across cryptography, the physical layer, and real-world deployments. FOCAL brings the right mix of partners to bridge theory and practice, and to translate post-quantum readiness into scalable, trustworthy communication systems.” CERTH
“Hellas Sat joined FOCAL to help accelerate Europe’s transition to post-quantum cryptography with a strong, real-world space communications perspective. As a satellite operator, we see secure communications as mission-critical, and FOCAL gives us the right framework to validate PQC deployment and composition under satellite-link constraints through a dedicated Space Communications Proof-of-Concept, while also feeding practical system requirements into physical-layer security work and supporting standardization for broader adoption.” Hellas Sat
"The transition to post-quantum cryptography offers a unique opportunity to reinforce the cryptographic foundations that underpin core security mechanisms in vehicle systems. As quantum computing advances, ensuring a seamless migration to quantum-resistant solutions, while preserving performance constraints and resilience against physical attacks typical of embedded environments, becomes a strategic priority for the automotive industry. Through collaboration with leading academic institutions and industry experts within the FOCAL consortium, Valeo seeks to co-develop interoperable standards and practical frameworks aligned with broader embedded sectors. This collective approach will enable the deployment of robust, quantum-resistant security solutions capable of protecting the next generation of vehicles throughout their lifecycle." Valeo
“The Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (CYS) joined the FOCAL consortium to strengthen the structured alignment between the project’s technical advancements and European and international standardisation activities. As Cyprus’ National Standards Body, CYS contributes with its expertise in standardisation governance and active participation within ETSI TC CYBER — particularly the Quantum-Safe Cryptography (QSC) working group — as well as ISO/IEC JTC 1 SC 27 (cryptography group). Through FOCAL, CYS supports the systematic positioning of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) developments within ongoing standardisation discussions. This ensures that project outcomes are visible, interoperable, and aligned with emerging quantum-safe frameworks. In doing so, CYS reinforces the bridge between research innovation and formal standardisation processes at European and international level.” CYS
“Our organization is driven by a long-term vision to enable secure, low-power digital systems that remain resilient in the face of the rapidly evolving threat landscape. With the transition toward post-quantum cryptography slowly becoming a reality for future-critical infrastructures, we consider early adoption and in-depth research in this area to be our priority. Joining the FOCAL consortium allows us to proactively shape this transition, as its objectives are closely aligned with our technology roadmap and our commitment to research-driven innovation. FOCAL provides a unique ecosystem to investigate next-generation cryptographic algorithms and system-level security techniques, while fostering collaboration with leading experts and organizations. Through this consortium, we aim not only to advance our own capabilities, but also to contribute to building a strong, forward-looking security community that sets new benchmarks for trust, performance, and efficiency.” CSEM
What excites you most about being part of FOCAL?
“We are looking forward to advancing the quantum-safe transformation of Trusted Execution Environments, an important technology for enabling secure and trustworthy computations.” – Paula Arnold, Research Assistant, University of Lübeck
“I'm excited to have been given a chance to solve hardware efficiency issues with the current PQC acceleration.” – Leon Dietrich, Research Assistant, University of Lübeck
“Being an integral part of such an important initiative aiming to build a trusted, practical foundation for Europe’s post-quantum transition, ensuring that organizations can adopt next-generation cryptography with confidence, clarity, and compliance.” KPMG
“What excites Hellas Sat most is bringing a real satellite communications environment into FOCAL’s post-quantum journey and validating how PQC can be composed and deployed end-to-end under the constraints of space links. Leading the Space Communications PoC, while also feeding practical requirements into PHY security work and standardization, lets us help turn promising research into solutions that can be deployed at scale with confidence.” Hellas Sat
“What excites us most is the opportunity to work across disciplines to make post-quantum security practical for complex, dynamic communication environments. FOCAL is not only about stronger algorithms; it is about validating end-to-end resilience in realistic settings and creating shared assets—methods, tools, and demonstrations—that the broader community can build upon.” CERTH
“What excites us most about being part of FOCAL is contributing to Europe’s transition towards quantum-safe digital infrastructures at a critical technological moment. The project addresses real-world integration of Post-Quantum Cryptography across edge and cloud environments, where performance and interoperability are essential. It offers the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and security architectures. Being involved allows CYS to anticipate emerging security challenges and support with standardization scalable, future-ready solutions. Above all, it is inspiring to contribute to a collaborative European effort strengthening long-term digital resilience and security.” CYS
“What excites us most about FOCAL is the opportunity to bridge cutting edge post quantum cryptography research with real industrial needs and to move from theory to practical, scalable deployment. By bringing together researchers, technology providers and end users, FOCAL creates a space where secure cryptographic composition can be tested and validated, while also feeding insights into standardisation and broader industry uptake.” SEMI Europe
In your view, what does FOCAL stand for when it comes to driving innovation and fostering collaboration?
”FOCAL stands for turning post-quantum security into an applied, collaborative effort: aligning research, industry, and system validation to deliver solutions that can be adopted at scale. It embodies a shared commitment to openness, interoperability, and measurable progress—from concepts to demonstrations—so that innovation translates into real impact.” CERTH
“For Hellas Sat, FOCAL stands for turning post quantum readiness into deployable practice by bringing together research and industry to co design, test, and demonstrate secure composition in demanding, large scale environments. The project’s structure connects foundational research and physical layer security with multiple proof of concept demonstrators, including satellite communications, creating a shared engineering language for collaboration and a clear pathway to adoption aligned with standards across sectors.” Hellas Sat
"FOCAL promotes innovation through close collaboration between academia and industry, enabling joint research, knowledge exchange, and the development of post-quantum–ready digital solutions grounded in real operational needs." Rafaella Elia, , Universtiy of Cyprus
“In our view, FOCAL represents an initiative that bridges advanced Post-Quantum Cryptography research with real-world edge and cloud deployment challenges. It drives innovation by addressing system-level integration, crypto-agility, and cross-layer security in a coordinated and practical manner. At the same time, FOCAL fosters collaboration by bringing together academia, industry, and public stakeholders to work towards common quantum-safe objectives. The project creates a shared environment where technical experimentation and strategic alignment progress hand in hand. Ultimately, FOCAL stands as a catalyst for building secure, interoperable, and future-ready digital ecosystems across Europe.” CYS