BTQ Technologies and ICTK sign $15M chip development joint investment agreement

BTQ Technologies (BTQ)has signed a $15M strategic investment and development agreement with ICTK Co., Korea’s secure element chip manufacturer. This partnership aims to address the growing cybersecurity threats brought on by the advent of quantum computing, with a particular focus on safeguarding the digital asset and stablecoin markets. Through the co-development of a quantum-secure secure element chip, known as Quantum Compute in Memory, BTQ and ICTK will combine BTQ’s post-quantum cryptography technology and intellectual property with ICTK’s proven SE design and manufacturing capabilities to deliver a commercially deployable, quantum-resistant hardware platform for next-generation financial security. Under the collaboration, the companies have entered into two key agreements: a development agreement for joint design, validation, tape-outs, certification, and productization of the QCIM chip, and an investment agreement consisting of BTQ’s direct equity investment into ICTK, coupled with ICTK’s in-kind contribution through cost-sharing and preferential deployment of manufacturing capacity. The companies also plan to expand joint commercialisation into international markets. QCIM will incorporate BTQ’s CASH cryptographic acceleration as its engine for both classical and post-quantum primitives. In addition to co-development, BTQ and ICTK are exploring collaboration in mass production, test, and global standardization, including engagement with international standards bodies such as ITU and ISO – with both parties contributing resources and capital in complementary forms. The companies intend to pursue relevant security and payments certifications to support rapid customer integration.