ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
At KETS we’re passionate about solving real world security problems using the unique advantages of quantum technologies.
Our unique chip-based solutions, based on technology developed over a decade at the University of Bristol, provide ultra-low size, weight and power without compromising performance.
We are currently engaging with a number of blue chip organisations across a range of sectors including telecommunications, governments, defence and finance to help them secure their systems and data with quantum-safe crypto solutions.
Incorporated in 2016, KETS recently raised £2M through publicly funded projects and a seed equity round.
In 2017 we were one of three start-ups to join Facebook and BT’s TIP Ecosystem Acceleration Centre (TEAC) in the UK and are now actively engaged in the programme as an alumni member.
In 2018, we were named the UK’s Most Innovative Small Cyber Security Company at Infosecurity Europe and were a finalist in the Best Tech Start-up category and the Business Leader Go:Tech Awards.
who we are
meet our executive team
Caroline Clark
COO & Co-founder
Caroline Clark
COO & Co-founder
Caroline is driving KETS business and operational activities forward. She is the former COO of QETLabs at the University of Bristol and was instrumental in growing it from a small group of 20 to a 100+ team of world-leading research and innovation talent supported by £55M in grant funding. A mechanical engineer by background, she also has experience in delivering support for business innovation through a prior role at Science City Bristol.
“The best part is getting to know the whole team, find out who they are, what they’re up to and what they need to develop and grow as individuals.”
Chris Erven
CEO & Co-founder
Chris Erven
CEO & Co-founder
Chris Erven (CEO & Founder) has been thinking about the commercial application of quantum encryption for over 12 years since he started building these systems experimentally. He has commercial start-up experience with QuSpin Inc., in Canada and is currently Deputy Director of the Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre at the University of Bristol.
“Whether it’s working with the team, or talking to customers and figuring out how we can solve their problems– I love interaction with people and I love to solve problems.”
Jake Kennard
CAO & Co-founder
Jake Kennard
CAO & Co-founder
Jake has 10 years of applied integrated quantum optics and industrial research experience. He is passionate about taking KETS' technology to market and has quickly developed a multi-award winning pitch. A former post-doctoral researcher at the University of Bristol's Quantum Engineering Technology Labs, he is an expert in integrated quantum photonics and communications and a key contributor to the UK's Quantum Communications Hub.
``I enjoy working with an interesting team on interesting problems.``
PHILIP SIBSON
CTO & Co-founder
PHILIP SIBSON
CTO & Co-founder
Philip is arguably the world leader in integrated photonic systems for quantum communications. He is the lead developer behind the world’s first chip-to-chip QKD demonstration and the main inventor on both of KETS’ patents. He is a QTEC alumni fellow and a key contributor to the UK's Quantum Communications Hub.
“KETS is a great opportunity to see a technology from its conception towards commercial adoption. I believe we have a great technology that can solve real-world problems.”
meet the rest of KETS
Patrick Buckle
Mechanical Design Engineer
Patrick Buckle
Mechanical Design Engineer
Richard Collins
Senior Software
Engineer
Richard Collins
Senior Software
Engineer
“Everyone at KETS has a balanced outlook on work; we’ve managed to achieve some amazing things, helped each other through the difficult times in lockdown, and had drinks to celebrate.”
Tom Crabtree
Business Development Manager
Tom Crabtree
Business Development Manager
“We’ve got a really good team doing amazing things at KETS, so it’s easy to bring the enthusiasm everyone has to our clients.”
Kerry May
Project
Manager
Kerry May
Project
Manager
“Working together to get a project delivered! There are always highs and lows, so it’s about taking those, learning from them, and moving forwards towards the end goal.”
Robert Denman
Software
Engineer
Robert Denman
Software
Engineer
“The most enjoyable part is the challenge of a new technology. We have a lot of choice to make the right decisions without being constrained by what came before.”
Habiba Naqvi
Business Operations Coordinator
Habiba Naqvi
Business Operations Coordinator
``The nature of my role includes having daily contact with almost everyone in this organisation – be it in person or online. As someone who loves interacting with others, this is perfect for me! It also means a lot to me that KETS has such an amazing team; since my 1st day here I have felt so welcomed, visible, and like I’ve been here all along. Also, since being given the autonomy to crack on with my duties, I feel incredibly responsible and independent like never before – I do love my freedom!``
Francesco Raffaelli
Lead Integrated Photonics Engineer
Francesco Raffaelli
Lead Integrated Photonics Engineer
“Constantly sharing knowledge with my colleagues enables me to learn a lot every day, particularly in disciplines which are outside my natural background.”
Gaetano De Martino
Senior Electronic Design Engineer
Gaetano De Martino
Senior Electronic Design Engineer
``The most enjoyable part is the challenge of a new technology, it pushes me and gives a feeling of accomplishment when things are working.``
Lorraine McManus
Senior Operations
Officer
Lorraine McManus
Senior Operations
Officer
“Working with the rest of the team, feeling like we’re part of something. It’s an exciting time to be working in quantum.”
Charles Shaw
Senior FPGA
Engineer
Charles Shaw
Senior FPGA
Engineer
“Getting something working on hardware, especially if it’s been causing an issue, you get an adrenaline rush from it.”
Robert Starkwood
Integrated Photonics Engineer
Robert Starkwood
Integrated Photonics Engineer
``Working inside a team of talented and stimulating people. The sheer breadth of interesting challenges I’ve found myself tackling keeps me constantly on my toes.``