Lancaster University spinout authentication firm Quantum Base, which joined the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange in April, said on Monday it has signed an agreement with “Customer #2” — a startup creating a global art registry.
“The Agreement is a comprehensive 15-year deal with exclusivity in the art market, worth a total value of £9.4 million,” said Quantum Base.
“This includes revenues of £135,000 in FY2026, with expected annual recurring revenue (ARR) growing incrementally from £175,000 in 2027 to £880,000 in 2032 onwards, with additional scope for extension.
“Under the terms of the Agreement, Customer #2 will implement Q-IDs on each piece of art that is managed through its registry, enabling seamless authentication through the integration of Quantum Base’s software into its app. This will provide 100% unbreakable quantum security that protects against forgery and creates a verified record of ownership.
“The partnership also marks the first practical application of the Company’s Q-RAND technology, a nanoscale quantum random number generator.
“While conventional electronics rely on pseudo random numbers, which can be predicted and exploited, Q-RAND harnesses the laws of quantum physics to generate truly unpredictable, unbreakable encryption keys.
“Using Q-RAND together with Q-ID allows fully random human- and machine-readable codes to be integrated, preventing nefarious parties from predicting the codes used, and ensuring the highest level of security for sensitive applications.”
Quantum Base CEO Tom Taylor said: “I am delighted to announce a significant new partnership with Customer #2, the company building a global art platform powered by Quantum Base authentication.
“Quantum Base was selected for our unique, fully secure, physical unclonable functions, which can be verified instantly using a standard smartphone.
“Our Q-ID and Q-RAND technology is enabling an entirely new business model that creates substantial value for artists, collectors and the wider art ecosystem. We look forward to working closely with Customer #2 to realise the full potential of our IP in the art market.
“This contract is further market validation of our innovative science and supports our FY2026 revenue expectations. It also builds on the visibility of ARR in FY2027 and beyond, as we work on the required conversion of our pipeline to also secure delivery of our FY2027.”