CUbIQ and Coherent Demo Quantum-Safe Security for AI Infrastructure

CUbIQ Technologies and Coherent Corp. have demonstrated a groundbreaking quantum key distribution (QKD) solution that integrates seamlessly with existing AI infrastructure, marking a significant step towards enhanced security for artificial intelligence networks. The proof-of-concept (POC) was unveiled at the ECOC 2026 conference in Málaga, Spain, and showcases a pluggable Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution (CV-QKD) transceiver in a QSFP-28 form factor.

CUbIQ Technologies, based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, has been at the forefront of developing quantum-safe communications for AI infrastructure. The company's latest innovation, a pluggable CV-QKD transceiver, is designed to be seamlessly integrated into existing network infrastructure. This solution leverages Coherent Corp’s high-performance 200G FR4 OSFP56 pluggable optical transceivers, ensuring compatibility and ease of deployment.

The pluggable nature of the solution is a significant advancement in the field of quantum-safe networking. Unlike traditional rack-mounted QKD systems, which require dedicated space, power, and management, CUbIQ's approach occupies the same port as conventional optics. This innovation reduces power consumption, cost, and footprint by a factor of 100, making it highly scalable and practical for dense AI deployments.

The company's pluggable QKD solution addresses the growing security concerns in AI clusters, where data is increasingly transmitted over optical fiber between campuses and sites. This transmission can be intercepted, posing a significant risk to the integrity of the data.

The POC, which was showcased at the ECOC 2026 conference, highlights the potential of quantum-safe technologies in protecting sensitive data. The demonstration featured a commercially available NVIDIA DGX Spark system via its ConnectX-7 interface, requiring no modifications to the existing deployment. This seamless integration ensures that operators can protect their investments in AI infrastructure without disrupting their current setups.

CUbIQ and Coherent Corp. are working towards a next generation of secure, high-capacity optical pluggable transceivers that will further enhance the security and performance of AI networks. The companies are laying the groundwork for a future where physical-layer security is an integral part of AI infrastructure, safeguarding against potential security threats.

The POC is available for viewing at ECOC 2026 in Málaga, Spain, from September 21 to 23, 2026, at Booth 1051, Dutch Pavilion, ECOC Exhibition Centre, FYCMA.