QEYnet was founded by a group of aerospace engineers and quantum communication experts who have built their careers designing small, low-cost, but highly-capable spacecraft and robust, free-space optical quantum key distribution technology, respectively. Their team’s combined experience and industry connections position QEYnet to offer first-to-market satellite-based QKD at a low cost.
Cordell Grant
ceo and Co-FOUNDER
Having managed such cutting-edge spacecraft programs as the BRITE-Constellation, CanX-4&-5 (formation flying) and GHGSat-D, Cordell has been at the forefront of the low-cost, high-performance satellite market for over 20 years. Fascinated by both space exploration and cryptography his entire life, QEYnet has finally provided Cordell with the opportunity to merge those two passions. Cordell obtained a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) in 2000 from Cape Breton University and a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from Dalhousie in 2003. In 2005, Cordell completed a Master of Applied Science at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Space Flight Laboratory. In 2017, he was one of the final 72 candidates in the Canadian Space Agency’s astronaut selection campaign.
Thomas Jennewein
Chief scientist and Co-FOUNDER
Dr. Thomas Jennewein is a faculty member in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the Institute for Quantum Computing of the University of Waterloo since 2009. His research is focused on building elements and components for a global quantum internet. Notable fields include experimental implementations of quantum photonics and quantum optics, and foundational experiments of quantum entanglement and quantum science. He is the inventor and Principal Investigator for the Canadian QEYSSat mission proposal, which aims to demonstrate quantum key distribution between ground and space in order to achieve quantum networking at global distance scales. Dr. Jennewein completed his PhD in 2002 at the University of Vienna and spent one year in the automotive industry, followed by several years as a Senior Scientist at the Vienna Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI).
Brendon Higgins
Chief Architect and Co-FOUNDER
Dr. Brendon Higgins is an experimental physicist with a background in computer science. He joined the Institute for Quantum Computing in 2011 as a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow, and has since played a major role in the Canadian QEYSSat and related initiatives. His expertise in software development, classical and quantum communications protocols and quantum optics has been crucial for numerous subsystem development activities, as well as laboratory and field tests of system prototypes. He is lead developer of both satellite-side and ground-side QKD software, and also developed telescope motion control software that was used in IQC's successful ground-to-airplane QKD experiments. Prior to arriving in Canada, he completed Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Science degrees before earning a PhD at Griffith University (Brisbane, Australia) in 2010.
Lakshmi Nezhukil
Project Manager
Lakshmi Nezhukil is a CAPM certified project manager who obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Project Management and Strategic Leadership from Lambton College in 2022. Prior to arriving in Canada, she completed her Bachelor of Technology in civil engineering from Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology (Kerala, India). Skilled in managing complex projects and cross-functional teams, she is knowledgeable in areas of schedule, risk, cost and procurement management. Her role as the project manager at QEYnet lets Lakshmi combine her interest in quantum cryptography and her passion for ensuring successful delivery of projects.
Kimia Mohammadi
Quantum Optics Specialist
Kimia Mohammadi is a Ph.D. student in the Physics - Quantum Information program at the Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo. She received her MSc in the same program at the University of Waterloo, where she designed the optical transceiver for the University of Waterloo’s QEYSSat ground station, and has since been developing optical systems required for polarization-based quantum key distribution with satellites. Her expertise in free-space optical modelling and optics design has contributed to national and international missions including QEYSSat and the Canadian-European HYPERSPACE project. Her role at QEYnet is well aligned with her research interests and passion for developing optical devices used in free-space communications. Kimia received her Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics at the University of Tehran (Tehran, Iran) before coming to Canada in 2019.
Akif Ahmed
OptiCAL Specialist
Akif completed his MSc in Physics from the University of Manitoba in 2021 specializing in time domain terahertz spectroscopy with a keen interest in low-cost optics for the sub-mm wavelength range. Prior to that he received his BSc in Physics from the University of Dhaka in 2016. Before joining QEYnet, Akif worked as an optical designer for the Ottawa based fiber optic product manufacturer, OZ Optics. At QEYnet, Akif utilizes his optical design expertise to develop and test QEYnet’s critical optical subsystems with an eye for high fidelity and cost effectiveness.
Shweta Shah
Electrical Engineering Specialist
Shweta Shah is a dynamic hardware engineer and avid explorer of quantum cryptography. She is an honoured Master's Graduate (Electrical and Computer Engineering) from Carleton University, Ottawa in 2021. Prior coming to Canada, she obtained a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Communication) from Gujarat Technological University, India in 2019. Shweta brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience with designing, testing and debugging electrical designs to our team. Beyond the world of circuits and currents, she enjoys soaring to new heights with a deep passion for aircraft. She brings a unique blend of technical prowess with a love for aviation, showcasing a commitment to diverse engineering interests. When not immersed in cutting-edge technologies, you'll find her gazing at skies or navigating hiking scenic trails and fostering connections.
