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CryptoWorks21 Supported by RBC investment in cybersecurity research

July 4, 2018
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The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is opening a cyber security lab and investing $1.78 million into research at the University of Waterloo to develop advanced cybersecurity and privacy tools, announced January 29, 2018.

Cybersecurity researchers in the David R. Cheriton School for Computer Science and the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization are the recipients of a $1.78 million investment from RBC. Among other initiatives, the funding supports Waterloo researchers and educators working in post-quantum cryptography:

  • Post-quantum cryptographic research led by David Jao. This work will focus on a unique blend of pure mathematics and computer science that produces data encryption so strong that quantum computers cannot crack it. New cryptographic standards are necessary to produce quantum-safe cryptosystems for tomorrow’s computers.

  • CryptoWorks21, an enhanced education program focused on quantum-safe cryptosystems that is led by Michele Mosca, co-founder of the Institute for Quantum Computing. RBC will sponsor the annual CryptoWorks21 Industry Day, a graduate scholarship, a thesis prize and support for professional teaching.

    • Waterloo is Canada’s leader at turning information and communication technology research into innovations that create economic advantage. Waterloo has world-leading research strengths in cryptography, security, privacy enhancing technologies, human-computer interaction, algorithms, networks and distributed systems, and mathematics relevant to cryptography.

    These new initiatives directly support Quantum-Safe Canada's vision of Canada as a global leader in quantum-safe cybersecurity.