KETS’ ‘Game changer’ technology scoops top prize in the New Enterprise Competition

Annual Enterprise Dinner 2015, University of Bristol

KETS new quantum technology to ensure data is secure has won the University of Bristol’s equivalent to Dragon’s Den and a share of over £35,000 prize money. KETS uses quantum cryptography to improve data encryption – ensuring information is safe in all situations, from bank transactions to critical infrastructure, and to individuals shopping online from the comfort of their own home.

Their concept beat 103 entries to scoop the top prize in the New Enterprise Competition which was judged by a panel of industry experts. The team won £10,000 in cash, £2,000 worth of legal support and a year in the Bristol SETsquared Centre – the University’s double award-winning business incubator – to help develop the technology further, explore potential uses and how it can be licensed to industry.

KETS CEO, Dr Chris Erven, said: “It’s fantastic to win and the judging panel were very receptive to our pitch. It’s really starting to snowball now and this extra investment and support will make a huge difference. KETS technology will provide for secure communications in a fundamentally new way.”

Dr Kennard added: “It’s been a real team effort, building on all the excellent work which has been going on in Bristol for the last 10 years. We’re the first of hopefully many spin-outs to come from the Centre for Quantum Photonics at the University of Bristol, focusing on building devices that real people will use.”

This year’s competition entries were judged by a panel of industry experts from sponsoring organisations including Deloitte, Wyvern, SETsquared, Santander, IP Group, Airbus, Motorola, Watertight Marketing, Social Enterprise Works, Marketest and Veale Wasbrough Vizards.

Find out more here.