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Post-quantum hardware research

Quarc

A foundation for the next security era.

A post-quantum secure-element project, exploring hardware-backed cryptography through an FPGA prototype.

FPGA prototype
ABSTRACT MACHINES / HARDWARE & ENGINEERINGSee how it works

The purpose

The idea behind
Quarc.

Quarc explores a hardware foundation for post-quantum security. The project combines a RISC-V control processor with cryptographic acceleration, moving from software models into FPGA implementation and verification.

This is active hardware research, not a finished secure-element chip. Current work includes FPGA bring-up on BeagleV-Fire, with further platform work planned. We welcome conversations about research, evaluation, and potential integration requirements.

Explore the source on GitHub

Inside Quarc

A closer look.

Explore the capabilities
and the thinking behind them.

01

Post-quantum direction

Explore hardware support for cryptographic methods designed for a world with quantum-capable adversaries.

02

RISC-V control

Combine a programmable control architecture with dedicated cryptographic building blocks.

03

FPGA-first development

Develop and verify the hardware design on an FPGA platform before progressing towards a physical secure element.

04

A research collaboration

Evaluate architecture, interfaces, and integration requirements together while the project is in development.

From intent to action

How it works.

A path through Quarc,
one step at a time.

  1. 01

    Model the design

    Define the cryptographic operations, processor interfaces, and security requirements.

  2. 02

    Prototype in hardware

    Implement and bring up the design on the FPGA evaluation platform.

  3. 03

    Verify and refine

    Use the prototype to test behaviour and inform the next stage of hardware development.

Go further

Find your
starting point.

Read, explore, or start a conversation about what Quarc could mean for your work.

Your next step

Where could
Quarc take you?

Tell us about your project.
Let’s find the right way forward.

Discuss Quarc

Photography & film

Selected stock imagery illustrates our areas of work. It does not depict Abstract Machines’ team or offices.

Photography under the Unsplash License and Pexels License. Film under the Mixkit Stock Video Free License.