What is the FORTRESS project about?

FORTRESS aims to develop a scalable and efficient hybrid secure boot architecture. It will design a flexible Root of Trust, integrating both traditional and post-quantum algorithms while exploring trade-offs between security, performance, and cost. The project will focus on hardware-software co-design principles, enabling diverse platforms – embedded systems, edge devices, and Critical National Infrastructure – to transition to quantum-resistant architectures seamlessly. Additionally, the project will engage industry stakeholders to align with regulatory and standardisation efforts, ensuring practical deployment and maximum impact. By developing a critical building block for a wide range of applications, FORTRESS will safeguard Europe’s digital infrastructure, fostering resilience and leadership in the post-quantum era.