Singapore’s Quantum Ambitions Accelerate as Homegrown Company Aires Applied Quantum Technology Advances Region’s First PQC and Quantum Technology Patents
- Written by Media Outreach
As one of the only deep-tech startups in the region to eye profitability at a stage where most quantum companies remain in research or pilot phases, the company’s technology is built by an independent Singapore-based research team rather than through external licensing, overseas dependencies or defence-restricted collaborations. Its IP portfolio currently includes three in-house developed patents filed in Singapore, the United States and Japan, and two patents developed from the founding team. The patents are locally and internationally recognised with grant awards from government bodies and agencies like Enterprise SG, Innovate UK, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Eureka and Tubitak.
Local innovation that gained momentum in a global deep-tech race Aires began during the COVID-19 period, when Co-founder and mathematician Lim Meng Liang revisited his earlier research in Diophantine equations. That work became the mathematical foundation for Aires’ first patent, which drew early support from Enterprise Singapore and NUS Enterprise.
Since its launch in 2023, the company has been selected for international quantum showcases in Berlin, Tokyo, and Korea, including the inaugural Berlin Quantum Pioneer, where it was one of six and the only Asian company selected among more than 60 global entrants. Interest began pouring in from the US, UK, Spain, Canada, Norway, Japan, and even national intelligence and research communities, underscoring global demand for independent IP holders in the quantum landscape.
From research to real-world applications Singapore’s quantum technology landscape is entering a new phase of maturity, and as global players race to consolidate critical intellectual property, the expansion of the nation’s own ecosystem is increasingly aligned with these international shifts.
In this evolving environment, Aires intends to support the national efforts through cost-efficient deep-tech innovation with a highly specialised research team capable of building proprietary quantum technologies from Singapore. As part of this approach, the company has focused on practical software-based applications that do not require capital intensive hardware, extending quantum-safe cryptography to organisations with limited capital and, for the first time in Asia, to individual users.
Their quantum-resistant encryption APIs integrate into common enterprise systems such as HRMS, payroll, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and cloud platforms. LionGuard, Aires’ proprietary consumer app provides quantum-safe cryptography and encryption on Windows, iOS and Android; and their quantum education and training programmes, accredited by Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) Singapore, are used in financial sector upskilling.
“The quantum sector is clearly shifting toward an IP-driven model,” shares Ken Lin, Co-founder and Managing Director at Aires. “Recent patent consolidations by leading global firms underline how quickly proprietary algorithms and in-house research are becoming the core determinants of value. That is where our patents, technology and R&D capabilities contribute meaningfully to both Singapore and Southeast Asia at large, as they are developed end-to-end right here at home.”
A rare commercially viable deep-tech model in the region Quantum startups globally often face long R&D cycles, high capital expenditure and extended pre-revenue phases. Aires has taken an alternative path by focusing on lean algorithmic development supported by an efficient cost leadership model, which would enable the company to operate profitably while continuing to build its patent portfolio and international partnerships. This approach allows Aires to develop quantum technologies at notably lower R&D overheads than is typical in the sector.
The company has been approached by investors for fundraising and is exploring global expansion as Singapore strengthens its quantum ecosystem in collaboration with partners across Europe and Asia.
Part of the Singapore story Singapore’s long-term quantum strategy aims to secure digital infrastructure, develop sovereign capabilities and strengthen economic competitiveness in emerging technologies. Aires’ development reflects a growing recognition that local innovation must be built not only in universities and national laboratories, but also within private companies capable of commercial delivery, so that the country and the region at large remains competitive.
The presence of homegrown firms with independent IP, practical applications and sustainable business models like Aires contributes to Singapore’s aim of establishing a diverse and resilient quantum ecosystem. As quantum hardware and computing becomes more accessible through public-private partnerships, it plays an increasingly important role in helping businesses adopt quantum-safe practices.
Hashtag: #AiresAppliedQuantumTechnology
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