[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ]SKTelecom(017670)is setting out to expand its future footprint by unveiling a wide range of next-generation quantum cryptography technologies designed to address security threats in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and 6G.

SKT announced that it participated in “Quantum Korea 2026,” held for three days starting on the 2nd at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, where it unveiled cutting-edge technologies and solutions under the theme of “Next-Generation Quantum Cryptography Security for the AI and 6G Era.”

Quantum Korea is South Korea’s largest quantum industry exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This year, as concerns grew over the potential for existing encryption systems to be compromised by the emergence of advanced AI and quantum computers, industry attention focused on quantum cryptography technologies designed to defend against such threats.

Paving

the Way for Miniaturization and Mass Production… Preparing for ‘Space Communications’ with 30-km Wireless QKD

At this exhibition, SKT showcased a next-generation lineup that transcends the limitations of existing technologies. The core technologies include △Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC)-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), △PIC-based Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), and △wireless and satellite QKD.

The “miniaturization” technology was particularly eye-catching. SKT has implemented a high-performance 10 Gbps-class QRNG on an ultra-compact chip measuring just 10 mm by 10 mm. The company is also currently developing an “integrated QKD chip” that combines the transmitter, receiver, and optical system into a single unit. Once PIC-based quantum cryptography technology is fully developed, it is expected to enable smaller and more affordable equipment, serving as a catalyst for mass production and widespread adoption.

Wireless security technology targeting “hyper-spatial 3D communication”—a core element of the 6G era—has also been unveiled. SKT is developing QKD applicable to long-range wireless communication at an altitude of 30 km above ground and plans to further advance the technology to enable satellite deployment in the future.

'Hybrid Single-Chip' Securing Drones and AI CCTV… Targeting the Defense and Public Sectors

Device-specific security solutions, “Q-HSM” and “Q-SSE,” were also unveiled.

Q-HSM is a hybrid single-chip solution that combines a QRNG, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), modern cryptography, and physical unclonable function (PUF) technology. It prevents hacking of edge devices—such as drones, AI CCTV, and robots—connected via 6G networks at the source.

Q-SSE is a solution that supports the secure use of large language models (LLMs) based on zero-trust access control.

SKT plans to use this exhibition as an opportunity to target demand for quantum security in the defense and public sectors, while also strengthening cooperation with government agencies such as the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to broaden the base of the domestic quantum technology ecosystem.

Meanwhile, at the opening ceremony, Ryu Tak-ki, Head of Network Technology at SKT, received the Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Development of Quantum Science and Technology (awarded by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT). Ryu was recognized for his contributions to leading domestic and international exchanges on quantum technology and the convergence of security technologies, having served as the Chair of the Future Quantum Convergence Forum, among other roles.

“Through our participation in Quantum Korea 2026, we will demonstrate how SKT’s next-generation quantum cryptography technology can help meet the security demands of the AI and 6G era,” said Ryu. “We will continue to lead the development and commercialization of quantum technology and play a central role in the global quantum industry ecosystem.”