Quantum Capability for National Security Missions

Room-temperature quantum memory architecture for deterministic state access without cryogenic infrastructure.

The RAQM program advances an Architecture 5 (A5) approach based on room-temperature atomic ensembles and a Si₃N₄ photonic integrated circuit platform. The work focuses on stable read/write pathways and timing control that can be integrated into practical quantum hardware stacks. QuantumGuard submitted this effort as a Stage A abstract to DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI).

This matters for defense because benchmarkable, room-temperature memory pathways reduce operational overhead and shorten transition timelines for fieldable quantum subsystems in high-assurance environments.

Sovereign quantum compute packaged as a self-contained module for controlled networks.

CDM is a local quantum compute appliance that runs in air-gapped or tightly segmented environments with no cloud dependency for core cryptographic operations. It incorporates hardware entropy from Cicada to seed key material and local trust services at the device boundary. The architecture removes external key custody and third-party runtime trust assumptions from mission-critical workflows.

This matters for defense because sovereign compute keeps critical cryptographic control on premises, supports disconnected operations, and preserves continuity when external infrastructure is unavailable or untrusted.

Cryptographic entropy rooted in physical quantum processes rather than software pseudo-randomness.

Cicada is QuantumGuard's hardware entropy module for key generation and high-assurance randomization workflows. It is engineered to provide measurable entropy characteristics and an integration pathway aligned to NIST SP 800-90B requirements for entropy sources. Cicada is integrated as the entropy root for CDM and broader platform cryptographic services.

This matters for defense because cryptographic systems are only as strong as their entropy source, and validated hardware entropy improves confidence in key generation under strict assurance review.

Production-grade migration from classical public-key primitives to NIST-standard post-quantum algorithms.

The PQC program implements ML-KEM-1024 for key establishment and ML-DSA-87 for digital signatures in high-assurance data handling paths. It includes migration engineering for environments that must phase out classical public-key dependencies without breaking operational continuity. This work is already exercised in QVault production deployment, providing execution evidence beyond lab prototypes.

This matters for defense because crypto transition risk is now a programmatic risk, and production-proven PQC deployment supports near-term compliance and long-horizon confidentiality protection.