SAQuTI
SAQuTI is the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (saquti.org) funded by the DSTI. UKZN is a node of SAQuTI, and CQCtec houses the participants in SAQuTi-funded projects.
AfriQA (African Quantum Alliance)
The African Quantum Alliance is a network of quantum technology researchers in universities and research institutes across Africa, with the aim to research, develop and commercialise quantum technology in Africa. AfriQA was founded at a workshop in South Africa during 23-27 June 2025. The workshop, titled “Quantum Science & Technology Across Africa: Workshop to forge an African network in Quantum Science & Technology (QST)” was held at the Cutty Sark hotel near Scottburgh on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal (the “Hibiscus Coast”). It was organised by Prof Thomas Konrad and sponsored by the Wilhelm und Else Heraus Stiftung, SAQuTI, UKZN, Wits and the African Laser Centre. It gathered delegates from South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Germany, who held discussions leading to the formation of AfriQA.
CHPC (Centre for High Performance Computing)
The CHPC is one of three primary pillars of the national cyber-infrastructure intervention (NICIS) supported by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). It arranges for time on the IBM quantum computer, in liaison with IBM Research Africa. This provision of quantum computing time is a major source of funding (in kind) for CQCtec.
IDQ (a company of IonQ)
IDQ (or ID Quantique, idquantique.com), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is a company of USA-based IonQ. IDQ is the world leader in quantum cybersecurity technology via its QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) systems and its QRNGs (Quantum Random Number Generators). On 28 November 2025 IDQ signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UKZN at the launch of CQCtec. IDQ’s co-founder and CEO, Dr Grégoire Ribordy, flew out to South Africa for the event, and delivered a talk title “Quantum Communication in Cities”. CQCtec is planning to sign a Reseller Agreement with IDQ which will allow CQCtec to resell IDQ products via a company to be established for that purpose.
IBM Research – Africa
IBM Research – Africa (Research Labs Africa), based in Johannesburg, provides access to CQCtec and other SAQuTI nodes in South Africa to IBM quantum computing capacity via the cloud. IBM Africa provides training and other support.
NITheCS (National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences)
NITheCS aspires to be a leading African institute for theoretical and computational sciences, recognised for its excellent and impactful research, training, and engagement programmes. Members of CQCtec receive NITheCS funding for a variety of projects, which supports the work of the Centre.
Dube Tradeport
Dube Tradeport (dubetradeport.co.za) is a Special Economic Zone and comprises a precinct purpose-planned to drive industrial development in South Africa through the promotion and attraction of both domestic and foreign direct investment to this part of KwaZulu-Natal. CQCtec has held initial discussions with Dube Tradeport about potentially providing quantum cybersecurity solutions for data services and applying quantum computing to air transport logistics.
Single Quantum
Single Quantum, based in Delft, Netherlands, is a company founded by Prof Val Zwiller of KTH Stockholm, who has a fractional professor position at UKZN for collaboration with CQCtec. Single Quantum produces the world’s fastest and most sensitive single photon detectors, which are crucial for many areas of quantum technology. CQCtec currently has one of these detectors in the Quantum Optics laboratory on Westville campus.
Quanfluence
Quanfluence, based in Bangalore, India, aims to revolutionise computing power, addressing complex global challenges, and contributing positively to humanity’s progress through innovative technology solutions. Working with Prof Sandeep Goyal and his colleagues in Quanfluence, CQCtec is in discussion about promoting quantum technology products of Quanfluence in Africa, and collaborating on developing quantum technology including a photonic quantum computer.
Quantum Scopes
Quantum Scopes AB, based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a spin-out from the Quantum Nano Photonics Group at the Applied Physics Department of KTH by Prof Val Zwiller. The company specialises in designing and manufacturing end-to-end solutions based on single photon generation and detection. CQCtec is in discussion with Quantum Scopes about promoting its products in Africa and collaborating on quantum sending devices.