Mitsui, together with Quantinuum and NEC, have jointly carried out a trial of tokens based on quantum technology (quantum tokens).
Mitsui and Quantinuum have been working to develop practical unforgeable quantum tokens based on a property of quantum physics for which Quantinuum holds a basic patent. The principle behind quantum tokens has been proven in theory. This trial, the first of its type in the world, has now confirmed that tokens can be issued and redeemed as predicted by the theory on commercial quantum cryptographic communication equipment and a 10-km fibre-optic cable, both provided by NEC.
Unlike the tokens used in conventional communications technology, quantum tokens cannot be forged and can be redeemed instantly. Thanks to these characteristics, it will be possible to use them for a variety of purposes, including data restoration and certification, primarily for financial sector applications, such as high-speed transactions and commodity trading. The quantum cryptographic communications technology used in the trial is expected to be used in future infrastructure development as a communication method that cannot be decrypted by quantum computers, and quantum tokens can be used on this infrastructure. By using this success, Mitsui will develop specific applications with a focus on areas that require high levels of security, such as finance and healthcare, with the aim of realizing commercialisation within five years.
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