A key feature is EnSilica’s built-in Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) accelerator IP.
EnSilica’s Secure Quantum-Resilient Processor
The UK government recently awarded EnSilica, a top chip maker, a £5 million contract. This funding supports the development of a quantum-resilient secure processor chip. The goal is to protect critical national infrastructure with the latest security technology. The contract comes from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
This new chip will use CHERI technology, which stands for Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions. In fact, CHERI improves hardware security by preventing memory safety issues—common targets of cyberattacks today. This innovation fits into larger UK efforts to boost secure silicon technology for important industries like defense, automotive, and aerospace.
EnSilica’s chip will meet strict safety rules such as ISO/SAE 21434 for automotive cybersecurity and ISO 26262 for functional safety. It will also match industry rules for industrial machines. Besides high security, the chip offers advanced interfaces to support sensors and real-time control, essential in modern industrial systems.
Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
A key feature is EnSilica’s built-in Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) accelerator IP. Seeing that, PQC protects data against future threats from quantum computers, which can break current encryption methods quickly. Cybersecurity experts warn about “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks where data is stolen today but decrypted once quantum computing advances.
To emphasize the global PQC market is expected to grow substantially due to stricter regulations and long-lasting systems needing future-proof protection. EnSilica’s ownership of PQC IP allows it to customize and audit encryption deeply across many products cheaply and effectively.
In short, this project places the UK at the forefront of global hardware security, said Prof. John Goodacre from Innovate UK. The work on CHERI-enabled chips will strengthen both commercial products and critical infrastructure against cyber threats.
This initiative aligns with ENTECH Online’s mission to inspire youth about cutting-edge STEM fields. As quantum-safe technologies become vital, students interested in cybersecurity, engineering, or computer science have exciting futures ahead.
Please explore more about secure processor technology and career opportunities in STEM at ENTECH Online: https://entechonline.com/. We encourage young innovators to learn about the breakthroughs shaping tomorrow’s world through trusted resources like ENTECH Online.
Reference
Kozlowska, A. (2025, November 14). EnSilica to develop quantum-resilient secure processor chip for critical national infrastructure applications backed by £5m UK Government ‘Contract for Innovation.’ EnSilica. https://www.ensilica.com/news/ensilica-to-develop-quantum-resilient-secure-processor-chip-for-critical-national-infrastructure-applications-backed-by-5m-uk-government-contract-for-innovation/
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Charudatta Pathak was a student at St. Aloysius High School in Bhusawal, established in 1874, making it one of India’s oldest convent institutions. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from SSVPS College of Engineering, Dhule in 1995, demonstrating exceptional academic achievement. Thereafter, he launched his career as a CNC programmer in a toolroom. He has utilized FANUC, Deckel, Maho, and Mikron controllers to operate 2-axis and 3-axis machines for the fabrication of jigs, fixtures, dies, and molds. He commenced his career as an academic in 1996, when he assumed the role of lecturer at SSVPS College of Engineering, Dhule. Additionally, he earned his post-graduate degree in CAD/CAM from L. D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, in 2000, and then acquired a Ph.D. from COEP in 2011 while concurrently engaged in teaching. Until 2023, he occupied many academic roles, including lecturer, assistant professor, professor, dean, principal, director, and vice chancellor at both public and private universities throughout India. From 2008 to 2010, he served as the project lead in the CAE department of a European multinational firm. During his 28-year professional tenure, he identified a need for dependable books targeted at students in grades 8 to 12, particularly for nascent career planning. He founded ENTECH Digital Magazine, a free monthly publication available on entechonline.com and magzter.com. Teens with a strong interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) who aspire to pursue careers in these fields may find ENTECH Digital Magazine beneficial.
