Dr Robert Bedington

Co-founder & CTO

SpeQtral

Robert Bedington is a co-founder of SpeQtral and has spent much of his career working at the intersection of space technology and quantum communications. Originally from the UK and now based in Singapore, he has been involved in the development of small satellite missions, space instrumentation, and quantum communication systems, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world deployment. Over the past decade, Robert has worked with universities, government agencies, and industry partners across Asia and Europe on projects spanning CubeSats, satellite-based quantum key distribution, and next-generation secure communications. His work has focused on taking emerging technologies from the laboratory into operational environments, particularly in the space sector. He holds degrees from Durham University and University College London’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory and is a strong advocate for international collaboration in deep technology and innovation.

WEBSITE: rob@speqtral.space

All session by Dr Robert Bedington

Securing the Quantum Frontier: Building a Satellite-Based Global Quantum Internet

FUTURE CITIES

As classical encryption protocols face an impending threat from quantum computing, the race to secure critical communications has shifted to orbit. Framing space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) as the essential defense against “harvest now, decrypt later” strategies, this keynote outlines the transition of quantum technology from laboratory research to commercial orbital deployment. SpeQtral CTO Dr. Robert Bedington examines how miniaturized quantum payloads on nanosatellites overcome the physical distance constraints of terrestrial fiber networks. The session highlights how commercial satellite networks like SpeQtral-1 deliver unhackable encryption keys globally, providing state economies, financial institutions, and national security agencies with the sovereign infrastructure required to protect critical data grids in the post-quantum era.

Day 1

Securing the Sovereign Stack: Operationalizing Quantum-Safe AI and Critical Data Systems for Sarawak

FUTURE CITIES

Following Dr. Bedington’s keynote on space-based quantum security, this panel grounds the macro technology into state-level execution. Bringing together orbital quantum technology, sovereign AI governance, and digital government security, panellists detail how satellite-enabled Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) integrates directly into ground networks to protect Sarawak’s critical infrastructure. The session explores actionable roadmaps for securing sovereign AI models, implementing zero-trust architectures, and safeguarding public-sector data systems against post-quantum cyber threats.

Day 1

Scaling Innovation Ecosystems for a Borderless Economy. Earth Orbit and Beyond

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