Five minutes with the Founder

We caught up with Philip Sibson (PhD 2017), Co-Founder and CTO of KETS Quantum Security, an award-winning startup developing future-proof technology to enable the strongest digital encryption.

Where did the idea for KETS come from?
I became interested in quantum technologies, specifically their application in secure communications, during my Engineering degree. The University of Bristol had recently developed quantum integrated photonic circuits that seemed to enable commercial adoption, so I joined the University for my PhD, completing the world’s first experiments of chip-based quantum key distribution. These technologies would go on to form the foundation of KETS and our unique selling point.

How did you build your founding team?
Our founding team was composed of researchers within the University’s Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QET Labs): myself, Jake Kennard (MSc 2010, PhD 2015), and Honorary Lecturer Chris Erven. All of us have a background in quantum technologies, engineering and physics, along with an interest in commercialisation of technologies. Caroline Clark (MEng 1999, PhD 2003), previously Centre Manager at QET Labs, provided operational leadership, management and insight.

Why is innovation in cyber security so important?
Our society relies on critical infrastructure and information technology. Financial institutions, energy grids and many modern conveniences depend on cyber security. Cyber attacks using conventional computers already require us to continually improve our methods, but the threat of quantum computing requires even greater innovation. It takes a long time to change and adapt infrastructure, so we need advances now to keep our way of life secure.

What do you love about entrepreneurial life?
KETS gives me an opportunity to make an impact, and I hope to see a lasting effect as our platforms are adopted. I work across a wide range of business functions, and with this breadth, I’ve been able to grow alongside the organisation, rapidly.

What are the more challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur?
There is always more to do, but people and resources are finite. Decisions must be made with imperfect information. It’s challenging to work in a developing market with emerging technology, and it can become a very chaotic landscape. One of my biggest challenges is to turn this into a more structured and actionable problem set.

What’s the best piece of career advice that you’ve received?
Success in this field requires a high level of sacrifice and commitment, and there will be highs and lows throughout. Thinking about this helped me determine whether I had the vision and passion to know that I was taking the right path.

How did the University of Bristol set you up for your entrepreneurial journey?
Government investment in the Quantum Technologies Research Hubs grew the University’s research capabilities and led to the Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre, where I undertook a year-long programme of entrepreneurial training. Until last year, we were part of the Quantum Technology Innovation Centre, where we rented an office, lab, and equipment, along with other startups working in quantum technologies. Through QET Labs and the Research and Enterprise Division, there was patent funding to protect critical intellectual property.

What’s been your proudest moment so far on your journey with KETS?
We’ve been able to continually build our team, even through Covid-19 restrictions. We’ve moved into our own lab and office spaces. We’ve made technology that has been successfully demonstrated in working environments. I’m very proud to have seen the journey from research conception to commercial reality.

For more information head to kets-quantum.com