TUMCREATE to Develop Open-Source RISC-V Processor with Integrated Post-Quantum Security

Why It Matters

Embedding PQC directly in hardware addresses the looming quantum threat for low‑power devices, accelerating the adoption of quantum‑resistant security across the semiconductor ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Open-source 64‑bit RISC‑V processor includes PQC accelerators
• Fabricated using GlobalFoundries 180 nm process in Singapore
• Targets hardware security for resource‑constrained IoT devices
• Integrated trusted execution environment mitigates side‑channel attacks
• Aligns with Singapore RIE2030 semiconductor and quantum priorities

Pulse Analysis

The race to quantum‑resistant security is moving from software patches to silicon. By integrating post‑quantum cryptography into the processor’s instruction set and providing dedicated accelerators, TUMCREATE eliminates the performance penalties that software‑only solutions incur on constrained devices. This hardware‑first approach also simplifies certification, as the security properties can be verified at the silicon level, offering manufacturers a clear path to compliance in a landscape where quantum‑capable adversaries are becoming a realistic concern.

QUASAR‑CREATE brings together leading academic and industrial partners to pool expertise in microelectronics, cryptography and quantum communications. Leveraging GlobalFoundries’ mature 180‑nm node reduces risk and cost while ensuring the design remains accessible to a broad developer community. The open‑source nature of the RISC‑V core encourages rapid iteration, community‑driven hardening, and transparent supply‑chain verification—critical factors for governments and enterprises seeking trustworthy hardware. The inclusion of a trusted execution environment further hardens the platform against physical tampering and side‑channel leakage.

For the market, the project signals a shift toward commoditized, quantum‑ready chips that can be deployed in IoT, automotive and edge‑computing applications. As Singapore’s RIE2030 agenda prioritizes semiconductor leadership and quantum technology, the processor could become a reference design for regional manufacturers and a catalyst for global standards. Future extensions toward quantum key distribution integration would position the platform at the convergence of classical and quantum networks, offering a strategic advantage to early adopters in securing the next generation of digital infrastructure.