In the exclusive interview by THE SIGN, co-founders Tatiana Skydan and Olga Nasibullina discuss Emna's insights on the future of space security, AI, and quantum computing, Emna Amri shared her vision for emerging technologies, including the pivotal role of post-quantum cryptography in securing digital landscapes and the advancements in space security.
As Innovation Director, I’m in a fortunate position it's one of the most dynamic and exciting roles in the company. Unlike traditional product or engineering teams, which are focused on delivering current solutions to customers, the innovation team operates with a broader creative scope. We look ahead, exploring emerging technologies and imagining how they could enhance or transform our existing products.
Our work often involves building proof-of-concept projects. These are lightweight experiments that help us validate whether a new idea or technology has real potential. The goal isn’t to deliver a finished product, but rather to explore and learn—what works, what doesn’t, and what might be worth scaling.
I like to think of it as the ‘fun part’ of engineering. At the same time, it’s not innovation for innovation’s sake. A key part of my role is ensuring that everything we explore aligns with the company’s broader strategy and commercial goals. It's a constant balance between creative experimentation and strategic focus.
For 2025, our primary focus is on three major technology trends. First and foremost, artificial intelligence continues to be a key area, shaping the future of nearly every industry. We're actively exploring how AI can be integrated and leveraged across our products and services.
Secondly, we’re delving into quantum technologies, with a particular focus on post-quantum cryptography. This also includes examining how we might support quantum key distribution from a key management system perspective - an area that will be crucial as quantum computing advances.
Lastly, we're closely tracking developments in next-generation connectivity, particularly 5G and the emerging 6G landscape, including non-terrestrial networks. These technologies are set to redefine communication infrastructure, and we’re assessing how they might influence or integrate with our future solutions.
Staying up to date with emerging trends is not just a requirement of my role - it’s something I genuinely enjoy. I read extensively and make an effort to attend relevant conferences and events whenever possible. It’s both a professional necessity and a personal passion that keeps me energized.
That said, like anyone in a demanding role, managing pressure and stress is an ongoing challenge. There are moments of fatigue, of course, but small wins along the way help reset the energy and keep the motivation alive.
As for the innovation team, I place a high value on mindset over specialization. I look for people who are comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones—those who see ambiguity not as a threat, but as a chance to learn and grow. In our field, it’s impossible to be an expert in everything we explore, so adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to tackle unfamiliar challenges are far more valuable than deep expertise in a narrow area.
That's the elephant-in-the-room question! Honestly, there isn't a single clear trend that dominates everything right now. Of course, AI is undeniably a major force - it’s reshaping the entire landscape. But I tend to view technology through a broader lens, one that includes the influence of geopolitical conditions and the global ecosystem.
Right now, we’re already seeing how AI is driving significant shifts. When quantum computing becomes more widely available, it will undoubtedly amplify AI's capabilities - and together, these technologies will transform the world. Of that, I’m 100% certain.
What remains uncertain, though, is how this transformation will unfold - how it will be directed, regulated, or distributed globally. That part is still a mystery.
My first piece of advice if someone wants starting out in space tech is simple: enjoy it. Find a role where you can learn something new every day and truly enjoy what you’re learning. Especially at the beginning of a career, it’s easy to get caught up in questions like, ‘How will I grow here?’ or ‘Where is this company heading?’ But I believe the focus should first be on doing something that brings you joy and adds value—not just professionally, but personally as well.
When you're engaged and passionate, everything else tends to follow naturally: you grow within the company, build strong relationships, and earn a solid reputation - without having to force it.
That said, the space tech industry is broad, with many sectors and sub-sectors, which can make it overwhelming to know where to begin. One great way to get started is by attending industry events. Look for conferences that combine technical content—like keynotes or engineering talks - with community networking opportunities. These events offer a chance to hear from engineers, marketers, and sales professionals, giving you a well-rounded view of the field.
For example, events like CYSAT are excellent entry points. They offer both valuable insights and the chance to meet others in the industry. Those conversations can help you better understand where you might want to focus your energy.
I completely understand the confusion around quantum technology - it’s challenging to predict exactly when it will become mainstream. However, I want to emphasize that some quantum technologies are already available and operational today. When people think of quantum technology, they often focus solely on quantum computing, but there are many other quantum-based technologies in use.
For example, quantum sensors are already in the market. These sensors provide extremely high resolution and state-of-the-art accuracy, and are being used for applications like imaging, low-level light detection, and various others, including certain military and scientific applications.
As for quantum computing, I’m actually optimistic. While it’s hard to pinpoint exact timelines, my personal expectation is that by 2030, we will have functional quantum computers - perhaps not the most advanced version, but ones that can be used for specific tasks. We will likely start seeing real-world problems being solved with the help of quantum computers by that time.
It’s always been the case with any new technology - we often feel both excited and apprehensive at the same time. From a security standpoint, we’re already taking proactive measures. In the realms of security and cryptography, we’re working on what’s called post-quantum cryptography. Essentially, these are cryptographic algorithms built on mathematical principles that are resistant to the capabilities of quantum computers.
While we can’t fully test these algorithms yet, since we don’t have fully functional quantum computers, the theory is that even with quantum computing power, these algorithms would remain secure. Now, you might wonder why we aren’t using these algorithms by default. The main challenge is that these algorithms are highly resource-intensive - they require significant computing power and energy to run.
Given that we’re moving towards more miniaturized devices that need to be integrated everywhere, we’re always looking to optimize computing resources. Smaller devices need to run efficiently, and the power consumption of these algorithms would be a limiting factor. Additionally, these new algorithms were only recently standardized. In cryptography, it’s crucial that algorithms are properly standardized to ensure they can be used securely in a wide range of applications.
But on the bright side, quantum computing brings exciting possibilities. With the immense computational power it offers, we will be able to perform sophisticated simulations that are currently beyond our reach. This has immense potential, particularly in fields like biotechnology. For instance, quantum computers could significantly accelerate the development of new medicines, including more effective cancer treatments. And this is just one example. The computational power of quantum computers could solve a wide array of complex problems.
The collaboration between the government, private sector, and startups is essential for fostering innovation. Each sector brings unique strengths to the table. The government provides regulation, funding, and strategic direction, which are critical for ensuring that innovation aligns with societal needs and public policy. The private sector, with its resources and scalability, can drive large-scale implementation, while startups contribute agility, fresh ideas, and disruptive technologies.
When these sectors work together, they create a powerful ecosystem where innovation can thrive. Governments can support startups through incentives and funding, while private companies can provide the expertise and infrastructure needed for growth. Startups, in turn, can challenge the status quo and push boundaries, which can lead to breakthroughs that benefit everyone. It’s all about creating synergies that allow each sector to complement the others, ensuring that progress is both rapid and sustainable.
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