Quantum computing, once fully realized, could break many of the cryptographic systems currently securing our digital communications, financial transactions, and personal data!

Yug Shah, our next pathbreaker, Post-Quantum Cryptography Research Intern at DoraHacks (Ontario, Canada), primary focuses on creating a roadmap for implementing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in blockchain systems.

Yug talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal The Interview Portal about his work which ensures that as technology advances, the security measures protecting society’s digital infrastructure evolve accordingly, preserving trust and safety in an increasingly digital world.

For students, in fields like cryptography where technology is constantly evolving, it is essential to stay curious and be open to learning beyond what’s in the syllabus.

Yug, what were your growing up years like?

Growing up in a middle-class family in Mumbai, my life was shaped by a rhythm familiar to many here: both my parents worked in the service sector, which meant long, exhausting commutes and often seeing family time reduced to weekends and holidays. Academics were a priority, and so were other pursuits that were generally viewed as “extracurriculars.” 

My school life was filled with paradoxes—I was considered a model student, but I was also a backbencher who loved participating in activities like dance, singing, and science fairs. I wanted to be involved in everything, from the soccer team to lab work, while keeping my grades high. I participated in inter-school science competitions, Math Olympiads, and drawing contests, each sparking new interests and widening my view of what was possible.

My curiosity extended to science and mathematics. During summers, I often read through upcoming science and math textbooks and borrowed senior students’ books for an extra challenge. I would watch videos learning about the workings of the universe, or spend time on famous unsolved math problems, thinking I could solve them; after all, in the mind of a child, even the impossible feels within reach.

What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?

With a strong interest in science and technology, I began studying Computer Engineering for a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) at K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering. Halfway through my second year, my family and I moved to Canada, where I enrolled at the University of Regina (UofR) for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science. My focus changed a few times as I explored different areas: I initially minored in Physics, then Pure Mathematics, and eventually pursued an Honours degree to enjoy the theoretical depth it offered. I graduated with High Honours in Computer Science and a minor in Pure Mathematics.

Currently, I’m pursuing my post-graduate Master of Science in Applied Computing (MScAC) at the University of Toronto (UofT), focusing on Cryptography and Privacy.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)?

One memory that sticks with me is from 8th grade. Our math teacher used to give us challenging problems from college textbooks and Olympiad exams. It was his way of fostering curiosity and problem-solving, and I jumped down the rabbit hole eagerly, motivated by the thrill of tackling complex problems.

I was also an avid sci-fi reader and devoured books that allowed me to imagine advanced technology and impossible problems. I think I was in high school, when I read the book “Digital Fortress” by Dan Brown. The protagonist was a head cryptographer, who showed me a world where intelligence, rigor, and problem-solving could unravel the unknown. This character made me curious about ciphers, and soon I was devising codes with a friend for secret messages, unknowingly stepping into the world of cryptography. Little did I know, this curiosity to “decode the world” would become a defining part of my career path.

Tell us about your career path

I didn’t start with a fixed plan for my career. My curiosity guided me along the way. During my undergraduate studies at UofR, I found the introductory courses manageable, which allowed me the freedom to pursue personal projects and explore research. I worked on a project with Dr. Orland Hoeber, the Department Head of Computer Science, where we developed a novel digital search interface to help users find relevant documents efficiently. This project resulted in a publication and gave me early, valuable experience in academic research. All this while, I also did self-guided research in Physics, spending time learning quantum mechanics, cosmology, and quantum computing.

Later, I joined Farm Credit Canada (FCC) as a Software Developer, where I refined my programming skills and learned the intricacies of developing micro-services to improve customer experiences. This role helped me build a solid technical foundation and strengthened my understanding of how software could enhance user interactions.

In addition to academic and professional work, I co-founded two startup projects, SettleOut and EnrollEasy. These ventures aimed to create value in international student support and recruitment, addressing practical challenges in connecting international students to resources and streamlining university admissions. Building these startups taught me the importance of adaptability, user-focused design, and strategic planning. Although these projects took a backseat as my career ambitions progressed, the experience of launching them was instrumental in shaping my skills in product design, leadership, and team coordination.

Each of these experiences — research, professional development, and entrepreneurship — played a crucial role in shaping my career path and contributing to what I currently do. My research work honed my analytical and research skills; my software developer role gave me practical expertise in scalable software development; and my startup experiences taught me adaptability and user-centric design; all of which are crucial for designing secure, usable cryptographic solutions for real-world applications.

How did you get your first break?

In research, the first break often comes from finding a professor or mentor who shares your passion for solving similar problems.

My first break came through the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award, which I received to research Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), under the guidance of Dr. Remus Floricel, Department Head of Mathematics. Over the next year, we explored the threat quantum computers pose to current internet security and how advanced mathematics and quantum theory can counter this threat. This research not only deepened my interest in cryptography but also influenced my decision to pursue the MScAC program at UofT. My current work as a research intern is a continuation and application of this research. 

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

I wouldn’t say I faced a lot of challenges, particularly because I never had a fixed plan and was open to all the opportunities that came to me. 

The biggest challenge I would say was finding industrial applications for my research in PQC. Although the field has grown recently, it was very niche when I began. I had to put in extra effort into finding companies interested in cryptographic research and built connections by networking and sometimes introducing PQC’s benefits to potential employers. Participating in a hackathon led to securing my current internship, demonstrating the importance of networking and seizing opportunities.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I currently work at DoraHacks, a global platform that fosters innovation by organizing and funding hackathons, bounties, and research initiatives, primarily within the blockchain and Web3 ecosystems. It serves as a bridge between developers and various blockchain projects, offering opportunities to collaborate, learn, and build solutions that address real-world challenges.

In my role as a Post-Quantum Cryptography Researcher, my primary focus is on creating a roadmap for implementing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in blockchain systems. This involves extensive research into various PQC schemes, benchmarking their performance, and identifying scalable applications for blockchain. A significant part of my work is dedicated to ensuring the security of these PQC schemes against potential quantum computer threats and exploring ways to upgrade blockchain architecture to support and integrate these advanced cryptographic methods.

A brief overview of my research at DoraHacks can be found at: Dora Research Blog

What skills are needed for the job? How did you acquire these skills?

Mathematics is the backbone of cryptography, providing the structure and security essential for protecting digital information. While understanding mathematics is crucial, its real power lies in being able to apply it for problem-solving — an ability that is central to cryptographic security. Core areas such as number theory, algebra, probability, and discrete mathematics form the basis of encryption algorithms, relying on “hard” problems — like factoring large numbers or solving discrete logarithms — that are infeasible for even the fastest computers to solve efficiently. 

Since the job is also research-intensive, it requires a deep understanding of technical concepts in order to thoroughly read and analyze research papers and their practical applications. Staying current with the latest technological advancements and assessing how they impact our projects is essential. Knowledge of established cryptographic standards is also vital, as every project must adhere to these to ensure security and compatibility.

I developed these skills through a combination of hands-on projects during my undergraduate studies, which gave me practical experience, and ongoing self-guided research. Continuous learning remains a core part of my routine, allowing me to stay updated and deepen my understanding of the field.

What is a typical day like?

A typical day involves reviewing a few research papers, extracting and implementing relevant algorithms, and deepening my understanding of how each component of a blockchain operates. I also spend time experimenting with different PQC schemes to assess their potential applications and compatibility with blockchain systems. 

What is it that you love about this job? 

I love the constant learning and exploration this role offers. Working at the intersection of cryptography and blockchain, I get to solve complex, forward-thinking problems, especially as we adapt to the challenges posed by quantum computing. The opportunity to push boundaries in an emerging field and contribute to secure, scalable technology is incredibly rewarding.

How does your work benefit society? 

Quantum computers, once fully realized, could break many of the cryptographic systems currently securing our digital communications, financial transactions, and personal data. By researching and implementing PQC, we aim to safeguard these systems against future quantum attacks, ensuring the continued privacy and security of sensitive information.

Integrating PQC into blockchain technology further enhances societal benefits. Blockchain systems are used in various applications, including supply chain management, voting systems, and financial services, due to their transparency, security, and decentralization. However, quantum computing threatens the cryptographic foundations of these systems. By developing quantum-resistant blockchain architectures, we help maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of these applications.

In essence, this work ensures that as technology advances, the security measures protecting society’s digital infrastructure evolve accordingly, preserving trust and safety in an increasingly digital world.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

Co-founding SettleOut and EnrollEasy has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences of my career. Both startups were born from a passion to make a difference in the lives of international students. SettleOut aimed to support international students as they adapted to new environments, offering a platform to connect them with local resources. EnrollEasy was designed to simplify university recruitment, creating a transparent, direct process for universities to connect with prospective students.

Although these projects ultimately took a backseat as I pursued my career ambitions, they remain close to my heart. The experience taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and strategic planning. These startups are a vision I hope to return to in the future, with more knowledge and resources to bring them to their full potential. Despite the pause, the impact they made on those who used them and the journey of building them will always be meaningful to me.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

My advice is to stay curious and open to learning beyond what’s in the syllabus. Often, the most meaningful discoveries and passions come from exploring topics on your own or diving deeper into something that sparks your interest. In fields like cryptography, technology is constantly evolving, and being adaptable is crucial. Don’t be afraid to try new things or even make mistakes; every experience teaches you something valuable.

Finally, remember that networking and building connections is as important as academic knowledge. Attend events, reach out to mentors, and seek opportunities to learn from others, they can open doors and give you insights that no book can provide.

Future Plans?

My plans involve continuing research in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), likely through a PhD. However, I believe that committing to a PhD without a well-defined and compelling research question isn’t the right approach. I want my research to address real, impactful problems that contribute to society’s security needs in a tangible way.

For now, I plan to stay in the industry, working on practical applications for PQC and building solutions that address immediate and emerging security challenges. By gaining hands-on experience, I’ll gain deeper insight into the actual issues faced when implementing cryptographic solutions in real-world settings. This path will also allow me to observe the industry’s evolving needs, which can guide me to a meaningful, focused research question for future academic work. I believe that this will allow me to eventually uncover a unique problem that I’m passionate about solving, one that truly merits dedicated research through a PhD.