Raicol Crystals, manufacturer of nonlinear crystals for space, aviation, and pharmaceutical applications, and Qubitekk, a manufacturer of products for quantum networks and quantum key distribution, have been awarded a grant for a joint project. The companies will partner on a project focused on quantum communications. As part of the joint project, the companies will develop an intangible, minimized photonic source that will serve as an endpoint for sending encrypted messages. A simulation of the PPKTP crystal that shows the polarity of the crystal domains and the laser beam doubled through the crystal. Courtesy of Raicol Crystals. The collaboration will combine the photon-splitting capabilities of Raicol Crystals with Qubitekk's quantum entanglement source to replace quantum keys, with the aim of developing an elaborate endpoint for the transfer of split photons. This development will enable ultrafast data encryption and may be used in a variety of areas including financial, security, medical, and governmental systems. In the long term, the goal of the project is to significantly reduce the size of the quantum photonic source while increasing and redefining its capabilities to become one of the most innovative and exceptional products of its kind. The companies have been awarded a grant from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation. The BIRD Foundation is working to encourage cooperation between Israeli and American companies in a variety of technology sectors for joint product development. The projects focus on providing solutions that are of mutual benefit to the U.S. and Israel.