$500,000 to Build My FIPS 140-2 RISC-V Crypto Accelerator Board for Next-Gen Secure Embedded Systems

I want to take you through the first phase of an ambitious $500,000.00++ project: developing a FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module for RISC-V architectures, with quantum-safe capabilities, all the way from concept to a testable binary working on a custom-designed RISC-V circuit board (PCB) . This would be a physical product that you just need to plug into a bank ATM’s controller module to immediately upgrade to truly FIPS approved quantum-safe readiness state. At this stage a bank can rest assured their ATMs are ready for regulators to come and check. We can get this done by the end of 2026, which is the best timing ever as this is when we might see fully-quantum enabled endpoints becoming a reality.

The initiative focuses on integrating quantum-safe algorithms from the Open Quantum Safe (OQS) project into an OpenSSL cryptographic module specifically tailored for RISC-V systems. The goal is to ensure long-term data security against emerging quantum computing threats — essentially future-proofing ATM security.

In the hardware phase, the plan is to develop a custom prefabricated PCB that plays nice with bank ATMs. This board isn’t just a circuit — it has to meet very specific operational and security requirements: RJ-45 network connectivity with magnetic compliance, 5V power input, secure key storage, tamper-proof design, and all the other bells and whistles you’d expect from a financial-grade security module. But for this blog, we’ll stick to phase 1: building the RISC-V binary and getting it running on silicon. This can be done either on real chips, like HiFive ready-made modules, or via cloud-based RISC-V simulation environments for early testing.

Here’s where the technical rigor comes in: architecting a cryptographic module that meets FIPS 140-2 requirements while being fully compatible with RISC-V systems. It’s crucial to note: just using FIPS-approved crypto algorithms isn’t enough. The module itself has to be validated through the FIPS 140-2 process, which can cost $250,000 and up. To save time and effort, we use OpenSSL 3.0.8 or 3.0.9, the only versions currently approved as FIPS 140-2 modules. Because OQS uses a slightly different API, we need to create shims to ensure the oqs-provider can communicate correctly with OpenSSL 3.0.9 — making everything work seamlessly despite language or API differences.

With a small-to-medium sized development team, the cryptographic module is built, thoroughly tested for compliance, and validated to ensure quantum-safe algorithms are integrated correctly. Once complete, comprehensive documentation is prepared, and the module can be submitted for official FIPS 140-2 certification.

Even though this is just phase 1, it’s a critical step: getting the software working on a RISC-V platform lays the foundation for a fully functional, secure, plug-and-play ATM upgrade in the future. And when phase 2 comes — building the full custom PCB module — all the hard work of secure software and cryptography integration is already done.

Funding Opportunity

To bring this project to completion, we’re seeking $500,000 to assemble a dedicated development team. These funds will allow us to:

• Build the final RISC-V binary ready for FIPS submission
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation for FIPS 140-2 compliance
• Prepare all documentation needed for official FIPS certification
• Deliver a secure, market-ready module that banks can deploy with confidence

Investing in this project means supporting the next generation of ATM security, capable of defending against both current and future quantum threats. With your backing, we can accelerate development and bring a fully FIPS-approved, plug-and-play solution to market, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity well into the future.

Note to Investors: We already own approximately US$1 million in strategically located land in Southeast Asia (Thailand), ideally positioned near China. This site is intended for the development of a Product Integration and Shipping Centre, where our hardware and software solutions will be assembled, tested, and shipped to banks, researchers, and other customers.

With the support of a matching investment, we have the opportunity to become first movers in Southeast Asia (outside Singapore). This location offers a competitive labor cost structure comparable to China, enabling significant operational efficiency and high profit margins while establishing a scalable regional hub for secure, quantum-safe financial technology.