700+ friendly #QSECDEF community members
Quantum Strategy, Risk & Innovation Consulting
Consulting for Critical Infrastructures
Quantum Strategy, Risk & Innovation Consulting
Consulting for Critical Infrastructures
Quantum Strategy, Risk & Innovation Consulting
Consulting for Critical Infrastructures
400+ friendly #QSECDEF community members
Dark Quarks provides C-Level vendor agnostic consulting for Quantum Strategy, Enterprise Risk and Innovation.
Helping our customers understand the opportunities, threats and impacts of Quantum Technologies on their business.
Dark Quarks provides C-Level vendor agnostic consulting for Quantum Strategy, Enterprise Risk and Innovation.
Helping our customers understand the opportunities, threats and impacts of Quantum Technologies on their business.
Our community platform is located on the domain https://www.qsecdef.com
Certificated Quantum Cyber Security Training Available online now, includes community access. No prior knowledge of Quantum
Technology Required. 100% online.
Completion in 1 to 2 days Online
Certificated Quantum Cyber Security Training Available online now, includes community access. No prior knowledge of Quantum Technology Required.
Completion in 1 to 2 days Online
Quantum Sessions
Stay ahead of quantum-era threats with our Executive Intelligence Briefings – a rapid, confidential window into the breakthroughs reshaping your business landscape in the Quantum Age. We break down core technologies, impact and considerations in a distilled executive briefing for your organisation.
Quantum Innovation Consulting
Quantum Innovation Consulting empowers enterprises to seize quantum computing breakthroughs, develop post-quantum strategies, and accelerate R&D, delivering competitive advantage, security, and scalable solutions guided by world-class scientists and industry strategists.
Supply Chain Consulting
Safeguard your value chain against the quantum revolution. Our Quantum Supply-Chain Consulting pinpoints relevant vendors based on your requirements, validates vendor readiness, and designs resilient, standards-aligned workflows that support your business using our experts to guide you through your journey.
Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration
Neutralise looming quantum-era vulnerabilities by auditing your current cryptographic estate, triaging high-risk systems, and engineering a phased PQC rollout that aligns with emerging allied-defence standards.
Quantum Cyber Risk Analysis
Quantum Cyber Risk Analysis identifies post-quantum threats, models vulnerabilities, prioritizes mitigation, aligns compliance, protecting assets and data integrity while empowering enterprises with actionable insights, resilient architectures, and lasting competitive advantage.
Quantum Strategy for Critical Infrastructure
Protect critical infrastructure with quantum strategy consulting, integrating post-quantum cryptography, resilient architectures, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance for power, telecom, transport, and defense sectors, ensuring future-proof security and competitive advantage.
Quantum Strategy
Transform quantum uncertainty into competitive advantage. Our Quantum Strategy Development program delivers a clear, actionable roadmap for exploiting quantum-secure communications, post-quantum cryptography and sensing breakthroughs in defence and enterprise.
Quantum Technology Scouting & Sourcing
Access a 700-plus-strong global network of startups, research labs, and defence innovators to surface mission-ready quantum tools—secure networking, sensing, optimisation, and more. We deliver curated short-lists, vendor profiles, and integration feasibility scores, compressing months of market scanning into actionable intelligence.
Consulting Services
Consulting Services
In an era of post-quantum threats, AI-fuelled disruption and relentless cyber risk, your ability to innovate faster than adversaries is the new competitive moat.
Our fractional Innovation Consulting service embeds senior‐level quantum, AI and cybersecurity strategists inside your organisation—without the head-count or overhead—so you can:
Accelerate capability: Reduce months of technology scouting to days and bring game-changing solutions onto your roadmap first.
De-risk decisions: Receive objective, high-trust advice that filters hype, validates vendors and safeguards mission assurance.
Save 85 % vs internal hires: A fixed free engagement replaces a £225 k+ full-time executive while delivering broader expertise to your team.
Our Services
Executive Leadership Briefings
No noise, no vendor spin – just impacts on your roadmap, supply chain and capital allocation, delivered live in 60 minutes with interactive Q&A.
Executive Leadership Briefings
No noise, no vendor spin – just impacts on your roadmap, supply chain and capital allocation, delivered live in 60 minutes with interactive Q&A.
Quantum Strategy
Transform quantum uncertainty into competitive advantage. Our Quantum Strategy Development program delivers a clear, actionable roadmap for exploiting quantum-secure communications, post-quantum cryptography and sensing breakthroughs. We begin with an Innovation Sprint that maps your current capabilities, exposes priority gaps and short-lists high-value technologies and partners. Next, we embed roadmap alignment and peer-review into your planning cycles, ensuring investments match NATO standards and mission timelines. Continuous advisory access keeps leadership ahead of fast-moving research, procurement windows and regulatory mandates, all for a fraction of a full-time hire. The result: accelerated time-to-capability, reduced risk and strategic edge across your enterprise, delivering ROI.
Quantum Strategy
Transform quantum uncertainty into competitive advantage. Our Quantum Strategy Development program delivers a clear, actionable roadmap for exploiting quantum-secure communications, post-quantum cryptography and sensing breakthroughs. We begin with an Innovation Sprint that maps your current capabilities, exposes priority gaps and short-lists high-value technologies and partners. Next, we embed roadmap alignment and peer-review into your planning cycles, ensuring investments match NATO standards and mission timelines. Continuous advisory access keeps leadership ahead of fast-moving research, procurement windows and regulatory mandates, all for a fraction of a full-time hire. The result: accelerated time-to-capability, reduced risk and strategic edge across your enterprise, delivering ROI.
Critical Infrastructure Assesment
We assist organisations in developing robust quantum strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure. Our approach involves assessing current systems, identifying vulnerabilities to quantum threats, and formulating comprehensive plans to enhance resilience. By integrating quantum-safe technologies and protocols, we ensure the continuity and security of essential services. Our expertise supports clients in navigating the complexities of transitioning to quantum-resilient infrastructures.
Critical Infrastructure Assesment
We assist organisations in developing robust quantum strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure. Our approach involves assessing current systems, identifying vulnerabilities to quantum threats, and formulating comprehensive plans to enhance resilience. By integrating quantum-safe technologies and protocols, we ensure the continuity and security of essential services. Our expertise supports clients in navigating the complexities of transitioning to quantum-resilient infrastructures.
Quantum Cyber Risk Analysis
We provide comprehensive assessments to identify and mitigate risks associated with quantum computing advancements. Our analysis encompasses evaluating existing cryptographic systems, forecasting potential quantum threats, and recommending proactive measures to fortify cybersecurity. By understanding the specific risk profile of each organization, we tailor strategies to ensure data integrity and compliance with emerging standards. Our risk analysis empowers clients to make informed decisions in the face of quantum challenges.
Quantum Cyber Risk Analysis
We provide comprehensive assessments to identify and mitigate risks associated with quantum computing advancements. Our analysis encompasses evaluating existing cryptographic systems, forecasting potential quantum threats, and recommending proactive measures to fortify cybersecurity. By understanding the specific risk profile of each organization, we tailor strategies to ensure data integrity and compliance with emerging standards. Our risk analysis empowers clients to make informed decisions in the face of quantum challenges.
Supply Chain Consulting
Safeguard your entire value chain against the quantum revolution. Our Quantum Supply-Chain Consulting pinpoints cryptographic weak spots, validates vendor readiness, and designs resilient, standards-aligned workflows. From chipmakers to cloud, we map dependencies, model post-quantum attack scenarios, and negotiate compliant contracts, ensuring uninterrupted operations, regulatory confidence, and strategic agility before quantum computers rewrite the threat landscape for you and partners worldwide.
Supply Chain Consulting
Safeguard your entire value chain against the quantum revolution. Our Quantum Supply-Chain Consulting pinpoints cryptographic weak spots, validates vendor readiness, and designs resilient, standards-aligned workflows. From chipmakers to cloud, we map dependencies, model post-quantum attack scenarios, and negotiate compliant contracts, ensuring uninterrupted operations, regulatory confidence, and strategic agility before quantum computers rewrite the threat landscape for you and partners worldwide.
Quantum Strategy and Innovation Consulting
Quantum Strategy and Innovation Consulting
Quantum-Ready ROI You Can Prove
Save up to 85 %: on overhead versus staffing an in-house quantum strategy and cyber-innovation team.
Accelerate technology vetting: from 12 weeks to < 4 weeks, gaining contract-winning speed and faster time-to-revenue.
Eliminate costly missteps: just one avoided post-quantum breach or mis-aligned procurement can rescue £250 k–£500 k per programme.
Why Choose Our Quantum Strategy Consulting?
700 + vetted innovators on demand: instant access to defence-grade quantum-secure communications, AI analytics, zero-trust and post-quantum cryptography solutions.
Proven NATO-level pedigree: engineering, R&D and C-suite expertise across critical-infrastructure and allied-defence programmes.
Strategy-first DNA: we translate lab breakthroughs into board-ready business cases, not slide-deck hype.
Signal over noise: we test vendor claims against mission requirements, delivering evidence-backed recommendations you can trust.
Act Now—Secure Your Quantum Edge
Book a complimentary 30-minute Quantum Advantage Discovery Call and learn how fast we can convert emerging tech into deployable, revenue-driving capability.
ROI You Can Measure
85 % cost saving: versus building an in-house quantum & cyber innovation function.
Speed-to-capability: Typical clients cut technology evaluation cycles from 12 weeks to <4 weeks, unlocking contract advantage and lowering time-to-revenue.
Risk avoidance: One avoided breach or mis-aligned procurement can save £250 k–£500 k per programme.
Why Us?
700+ global innovators on call—giving you first look at defence-grade quantum-secure comms, AI analytics and zero-trust architectures.
Proven defence pedigree—engineering, R&D and C-suite experience across NATO-aligned programmes and critical infrastructure
Strategy-first DNA—we translate labs and startups into board-level business cases, not PowerPoint trends.
Strategy-first DNA—we translate labs and startups into board-level business cases, not PowerPoint trends.
Book a 30-minute discovery call and see how quickly we can turn emerging tech into deployable advantage.
ROI You Can Measure
85 % cost saving: versus building an in-house quantum & cyber innovation function.
Speed-to-capability: Typical clients cut technology evaluation cycles from 12 weeks to <4 weeks, unlocking contract advantage and lowering time-to-revenue.
Risk avoidance: One avoided breach or mis-aligned procurement can save £250 k–£500 k per programme.
Why Us?
700+ global innovators on call—giving you first look at defence-grade quantum-secure comms, AI analytics and zero-trust architectures.
Proven defence pedigree—engineering, R&D and C-suite experience across NATO-aligned programmes and critical infrastructure
Strategy-first DNA—we translate labs and startups into board-level business cases, not PowerPoint trends.
Strategy-first DNA—we translate labs and startups into board-level business cases, not PowerPoint trends.
Book a 30-minute discovery call and see how quickly we can turn emerging tech into deployable advantage.
Why Act Now?
Why Act Now?
Quantum Is A Highly Disruptive Technology
Quantum is a highly disruptive technology, failure to understand its impact to your business and operational environment may well leave your company open to external disruption costing you millions of dollars in lost business and opportunity loss.
The global cyber-security consulting market is forecast to grow at 8.8 % CAGR to 2033, doubling to USD 34 bn. Expert advice will only become more expensive nearer to the date when Quantum Resilience is mandated in every company.
Quantum solutions for aerospace & defence are projected to climb 14.5 % CAGR to USD 8.1 bn by 2032, getting ahead now will help you secure early mover advantage.
Regulatory Urgency Underpins Action
U.S. and EU agencies now require post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in new procurements; suppliers must demonstrate readiness in 2025-2030 programmes.
Risk Is Now A Board Member Personal Liability
Global cyber-crime damage will hit USD 10.5 trn in 2025, pressuring boards to invest in proactive resilience and innovation. Board are currently personally liable for customer data breaches.
What this means
Our Value Proposition – Boards face simultaneous pressure to adopt Quantum Technologies and PQC, leverage AI and harden cyber-physical systems, but talent scarcity and cost inflation make full-time hires prohibitive. A fractional, strategy-led model directly bridges this gap by providing quality resources within a framework designed to drive rapid business wins that have a quantitive impact to your bottom line operations.
Demand and Prices Will Increase – With hard compliance deadlines (e.g., NIST PQC standards), defence primes and critical-infrastructure providers must act or face significant risk, not only for cyber infrastructure but to their business continuity as a whole .
Where we differ – Combining quantum expertise, cyber credentials and a curated innovation network of qualified world leading experts spanning Quantum, Advanced AI and Cybersecurity domains with real world industry leading experience.
Our Members Work In
The Worlds Most Forward Thinking Organisations
Follow Us On LinkedIn
Our Members Work In The Worlds Most Forward Thinking Organisations
Follow Us On LinkedIn
Lectures and all training courses are included in
QSECDEF Essentials Membership
Join the community
If you are interested in understanding Quantum Technologies why not join us in the community.
Request Membership Information
Join the community
If you are interested in understanding Quantum Technologies why not join us in the community.
Request Membership Information
Our Members Work In
The Worlds Most Forward Thinking Organisations
Follow Us On LinkedIn
Our Members Work In
The Worlds Most Forward Thinking Organisations
Follow Us On LinkedIn
Our Members Work In
The Worlds Most Forward Thinking Organisations
Follow Us On LinkedIn
Consulting Team
Consulting Team
Find all of these recorded lectures in the community when you become a member today.
Find all of these recorded lectures in the community when you become a member today.
Anna Beata Kalisz Hedegaard
Anna Beata Kalisz Hedegaard
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Anna Beata Kalisz Hedegaard is a physicist with two Master of Science degrees. At Wright State University, Ohio, she got deeply into electronics and nanotechnology, and the University of Southern Denmark fortified her expertise in quantum mechanics, and particle physics. Anna has global perspective from her extensive international experience (Poland, Denmark, the United States, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Germany) and intellectual property experience from the European Patent Office working as a patent engineer
Anna Beata Kalisz Hedegaard is a physicist with two Master of Science degrees. At Wright State University, Ohio, she got deeply into electronics and nanotechnology, and the University of Southern Denmark fortified her expertise in quantum mechanics, and particle physics. Anna has global perspective from her extensive international experience (Poland, Denmark, the United States, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Germany) and intellectual property experience from the European Patent Office working as a patent engineer
Steve Vaile
Steve Vaile
Chief Commercial Officer
Chief Commercial Officer
Steve Vaile has over 30 years of business experience. 15 of which were spent working with Decision Support Systems and Root Cause Analysis for Telecoms and Defence Networks. He is an advisor to a number of quantum and deep tech companies, he hold business certificates in leadership, finance and digital marketing from Yale and Oxford, a Masters of Business Administration from Rome Business School and an HND in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the UK armed services.
Steve Vaile has over 30 years of business experience. 15 of which were spent working with Decision Support Systems and Root Cause Analysis for Telecoms and Defence Networks. He is an advisor to a number of quantum and deep tech companies, he hold business certificates in leadership, finance and digital marketing from Yale and Oxford, a Masters of Business Administration from Rome Business School and an HND in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the UK armed services.
Michal Krelina
Michal Krelina
Partner Defence Technology
Partner Defence Technology
Dr. Michal Krelina is a specialist in quantum security, working as a consultant, analyst, and strategist with a focus on security and defence applications of quantum technology. He is the Co-Founder and CTO of QuDef, a quantum security company, a key member of the Quantum Security and Defence Working Group, and he also conducts research at the Czech Technical University in Prague, exploring military applications of quantum technology and assessing risks and threats. In addition, Michal has experience consulting for organizations like NATO, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), and various defence, law enforcement and governmental organizations. He holds a PhD in experimental nuclear physics and has postdoctoral experience from UTFSM in Chile and Heidelberg University in Germany. His work is dedicated to understanding the impact of quantum technology on global security, making significant contributions to this rapidly evolving field.
Dr. Michal Krelina is a specialist in quantum security, working as a consultant, analyst, and strategist with a focus on security and defence applications of quantum technology. He is the Co-Founder and CTO of QuDef, a quantum security company, a key member of the Quantum Security and Defence Working Group, and he also conducts research at the Czech Technical University in Prague, exploring military applications of quantum technology and assessing risks and threats. In addition, Michal has experience consulting for organizations like NATO, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), and various defence, law enforcement and governmental organizations. He holds a PhD in experimental nuclear physics and has postdoctoral experience from UTFSM in Chile and Heidelberg University in Germany. His work is dedicated to understanding the impact of quantum technology on global security, making significant contributions to this rapidly evolving field.
Maciej J. Nowakowski
Maciej J. Nowakowski
Partner - EU Supply Chain
Partner - EU Supply Chain
Maciej is a director at MicroEPC, where he advises the Polish microelectronics and photonics industry, coordinated by PPTF - Polish Technological Platform on Photonics. Previously, Maciej served as Defence Programmes Manager at Poland-U.S. Operations and was the General Manager for CMI Defence Polska at John Cockerill. He serves as Executive Advisor to the Board of Directors.
Maciej is a director at MicroEPC, where he advises the Polish microelectronics and photonics industry, coordinated by PPTF - Polish Technological Platform on Photonics. Previously, Maciej served as Defence Programmes Manager at Poland-U.S. Operations and was the General Manager for CMI Defence Polska at John Cockerill. He serves as Executive Advisor to the Board of Directors.
Bernard Soo
Bernard Soo
Partner ASEAN
Partner ASEAN
Bernard Soo, brings 20 years of experience in Banking and Wealth Management. He previously served as Head of Wealth Proposition and Online Equities Trading at Standard Chartered and Head of Digital Wealth Proposition at UOB. A former Executive Committee member of the Singapore Fintech Association, Bernard is also the Co-Founder of CitaDAO, a blockchain-based DeFi platform for real estate tokenization.
Bernard Soo, brings 20 years of experience in Banking and Wealth Management. He previously served as Head of Wealth Proposition and Online Equities Trading at Standard Chartered and Head of Digital Wealth Proposition at UOB. A former Executive Committee member of the Singapore Fintech Association, Bernard is also the Co-Founder of CitaDAO, a blockchain-based DeFi platform for real estate tokenization.
Ken Linn
Ken Linn
Partner ASEAN
Partner ASEAN
Ken Lin has over 20 years of experience in banking product strategy and business development. He served as Head of Products in Consumer and Private Banking, where he led the launch of numerous innovative banking products and digital banking platforms that transformed customer experiences and enhanced operational efficiency. Ken holds a Master of Science in Management from University College Dublin.
Ken Lin has over 20 years of experience in banking product strategy and business development. He served as Head of Products in Consumer and Private Banking, where he led the launch of numerous innovative banking products and digital banking platforms that transformed customer experiences and enhanced operational efficiency. Ken holds a Master of Science in Management from University College Dublin.
In the community you will find hundreds of industry experts with practical project experience willing to help you with your quantum project.
This friendly community shares the vision of knowledge transfer between different skill sets, information tech, cyber, business and more.
In the community you will find hundreds of industry experts with practical project experience willing to help you with your quantum project.
This friendly community shares the vision of knowledge transfer between different skill sets, information tech, cyber, business and more.
In the community you will find hundreds of industry experts with practical project experience willing to help you with your quantum project.
This friendly community shares the vision of knowledge transfer between different skill sets, information tech, cyber, business and more.
We provide weekly online events with industry expert speakers every Tuesday at 15:00 CEST, 14:00 GMT, 09:00 ET on a wide range of subjects relevant to Quantum technologies. It is a great way to evaluate new vendor solutions, research quantum technologies and develop your growing quantum skillset. These sessions are recorded and available to subscribers within the community.
We provide weekly online events with industry expert speakers every Tuesday at 15:00 CEST, 14:00 GMT, 09:00 ET on a wide range of subjects relevant to Quantum technologies. It is a great way to evaluate new vendor solutions, research quantum technologies and develop your growing quantum skillset. These sessions are recorded and available to subscribers within the community.