Angel Cuenca ’22 Develops Quantum-Powered Platform for Securing AI Models Against Cyberattacks
When Angel Cuenca enrolled in the Master’s of Cybersecurity program at SMU Lyle, he was only just beginning to understand the intricacies of AI technology and quantum computing.
The Texas Tech University graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in business marketing. While working as a sales consultant at Check Point Software Technologies, a provider of cybersecurity solutions, he was selected for a cybersecurity training program in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The experience ignited a motivation to gain more cybersecurity expertise – and eventually led to his own startup, Quantum Falcon.
“I felt like enrolling in the Master’s in Cybersecurity program at SMU Lyle would give me a leg up,” Cuenca said. “We are in the middle of an intelligence explosion, and we need to prepare for the future.”
— Thinking Master's in Cybersecurity? Think SMU Lyle.
As part of the degree program, Cuenca took three AI classes that taught him to build neural networks. “I learned the fundamentals that became the bread and butter of what we’re doing at Quantum Falcon,” he said.
In his computer systems security class, he worked on a research paper about the implications of quantum computers for breaking current cybersecurity measures. As quantum computers advance, they pose a threat to traditional encryption methods, which will require engineers to explore new solutions for quantum-safe encryption.
Armed with this new information, and understanding that interest in quantum computing is surging worldwide, Cuenca’s business marketing acumen kicked into gear. He began gathering data on how to develop a product that would harness the technology to address advanced cyberattacks. In 2021, he registered the trademark for Quantum Falcon, a quantum-powered platform for securing AI models.
“I did a lot of cold calling to validate the market and product idea,” Cuenca said. “I discovered that 80% of the companies I spoke with were not doing anything to secure their AI models from cyberattacks. I realized there is a huge need for a purpose-built quantum-powered platform.”
We are in the middle of an intelligence explosion, and we need to prepare for the future.
Angel Cuenca ’22, CEO, Quantum Falcon
The first year of building a startup is challenging, Cuenca said, particularly at the forefront of a new field of computing. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be patient, especially in the initial stages of developing a business.
“I think the biggest challenge with startups, especially for younger people, is the desire to be successful right away,” he said. “Pushing through that first year and finally honing down on the vision of the company really helped me.”
In the future, Cuenca said he may consider enrolling in SMU Lyle’s new Master’s in Quantum Engineering program to continue gaining a competitive advantage. The new program, which launches in Fall 2024, delves into quantum informatics and quantum engineering, from sensing and computation to communications and bespoke systems.
“SMU helped me build connections and network – in fact, one of the advisors I met while working on my research paper now sits on the Quantum Falcon board of advisors,” said Cuenca, whose product prototype will be available in June on AWS Marketplace. “I feel like I was able to gain a lot of insights with the type of research I was doing for my degree, which helped me build a foundation for this new venture.”
About the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering
SMU's Lyle School of Engineering thrives on innovation that transcends traditional boundaries. We strongly believe in the power of externally funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader. Founded in 1925, SMU Lyle is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest, offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees.
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SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, community and the world.