Who's Leading the Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) IP Security Race?

As quantum computing threatens to undermine conventional encryption, the global security community is actively transitioning to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). For example, ABI Research forecasts that PQC services revenue will grow 22% annually through 2030, reaching US$680 million.

The technological underpinnings of this shift are PQC software libraries, hardware Intellectual Property (IP) cores, and Software Development Kits (SDKs). While these quantum-safe components are essential for organizations looking to future-proof their data protection strategies, few cybersecurity vendors currently offer enterprise-ready solutions.

ABI Research’s Quantum Safe Technologies analyst team recently analyzed these rare innovators to help the cybersecurity industry identify the top players. Indeed, the vendors studied are leading the brave charge into a post-quantum world by offering robust security walls for organizations within financial services, defense, utilities, and other critical markets. They also make compelling acquisition targets for larger cybersecurity providers, semiconductors, and service providers aiming to expand their PQC portfolio. Here are three vendors worth taking a closer look at.

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CryptoNext Security: Set Up Well to Scale

CryptoNext Security, based in France and founded by cryptographic researcher Jean-Charles Faugère, delivers an end-to-end platform supporting every stage of PQC transition. Its standout capability is a comprehensive discovery and remediation system that identifies cryptographic assets and supports legacy migration to quantum-safe protocols.

The company’s platform integrates with diverse data sources and uses network probes for continuous cryptographic monitoring. CryptoNext's libraries support all three NIST-standardized algorithms and incorporate Side-Channel Attack (SCA) protections. With recent CAVP certifications and a roadmap to FIPS 140-3, the company has strengthened its credibility with regulators and enterprises alike.

CryptoNext serves both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as Thales and Atos, and end users in defense, finance, and infrastructure. Its dual market approach is made possible through strategic partnerships, a flexible licensing model, and European government backing. As a result, CryptoNext is well-positioned for scale.

The recent launch of a crypto policy management platform further enhances its acquisition appeal for security providers looking to integrate a turnkey PQC solution. ABI Research anticipates CryptoNext Security to be presented with a growing number of technical partnership opportunities and experience the expansion of brand visibility among enterprises in the short term.

PQ Solutions (Post Quantum): Veteran Visionary in Turnkey Secure Applications

Founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom, PQ Solutions (referred to as Post-Quantum) is one of the pioneers of quantum resistance. The company has evolved from pure Research & Development (R&D) to delivering modular, application-ready security platforms tailored for enterprise and government clients.

Unlike peers focused solely on cryptographic libraries, Post-Quantum embeds PQC within fully functional products. This includes PQChat, a secure messaging and collaboration tool offering quantum-safe archiving and regulatory-compliant communication. Organizations have shown increased interest in PQChat in the wake of the “Signal Gate” incident in the United States.

Nomidio, a biometric identity verification solution, is another notable quantum-ready system the company offers. It allows users to verify their identity via facial and voice recognition and supports a diverse set of communication modes. However, it is expected that traditional biometric methods will gradually become obsolete as AI and quantum-assisted deep faking take prominence. Post-Quantum has already planned for this disruption by integrating other biometric markers such as haptics and user behaviors.

The company’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution, based on a hybrid PQC protocol that it helped standardize through the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), exemplifies the company’s focus on real-world applicability. Post-Quantum has already secured a major nation-state contract and has worked extensively with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), highlighting the operational maturity of its offerings.

In summary, Post-Quantum’s ability to deliver enterprise-ready applications, rather than raw cryptographic components makes it a suitable acquisition target for technology providers aiming to offer end-to-end, future-proof security solutions.

PQShield: Specialized Implementations Across Various Use Cases

PQShield offers one of the most comprehensive PQC IP portfolios in the market. The Oxford, United Kingdom-based company focuses on both hardware and software Intellectual Property (IP) and supports highly specialized implementations across a variety of use cases. With more than 50 cryptographers and engineers, PQShield is deeply embedded in global standards bodies.

PQShield product lines include PQCryptoLib, PQPlatform, and PQPerform. These are optimized for ultra-fast, ultra-small, or ultra-secure deployments, respectively. Customers such as AMD, Microchip, and Lockheed Martin leverage PQShield’s IP for both embedded devices and high-performance computing environments like data centers.

Backed by US$37 million in Series B funding, the company is now focused on refining its quantum-safe products and reducing integration friction for OEMs. Its positioning at the intersection of silicon IP, semiconductors, and embedded systems makes PQShield a prime candidate for acquisition by forward-thinking chipmakers or device manufacturers.

A Moment for Strategic Moves

When considering CryptoNext, PQ Solutions (Post-Quantum), and PQShield, each brings something unique to the table. Whether it’s full-stack PQC migration tools, enterprise crypto-agility platforms, or modular IP designed for silicon, these companies possess both the technical expertise and market traction required to accommodate future cybersecurity needs.

As regulatory pressure increases and enterprise interest in quantum-safe cryptography grows, it's essential that PQC vendors provide technical differentiation and secure a competitive advantage in the next era of cybersecurity. Download ABI Research’s whitepaper, The Quantum Migration: Inside the Rise of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) IP Innovators, for a more comprehensive overview of these company profiles and pinpoint the product features that should be embedded into quantum-safe solutions.