DST Supported QNu Labs Demonstrates India’s 1st 500 km Quantum-Safe Network Under National Quantum Mission

India’s Department of Science & Technology (DST), under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), announced that Bengaluru-based startup QNu Labs has successfully demonstrated a 500 km quantum-safe communication network — the country’s first extensive Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) deployment.

Key Facts

• Startup: QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd., incubated at IIT Madras and supported under DST’s National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• Achievement: Demonstrated India’s first 500 km Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network over existing optical fiber infrastructure.
• Event: Officially announced at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025).
• Stakeholders Present: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Prof. Abhay Karandikar.

What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

• QKD uses quantum mechanics to securely share cryptographic keys between two parties.
• Any attempt to intercept the quantum signal disturbs the system, alerting legitimate users.
• QKD is provably secure against classical and future quantum attacks, unlike conventional encryption.

Strategic Importance

• Cybersecurity Leap: A 500 km QKD backbone is a milestone for India’s digital security, especially for defense and critical infrastructure.
• Collaboration: Indian Army facilitated access to fiber networks in Rajasthan for testing.
• Global Positioning: Positions India alongside China, the US, and EU in building quantum-secure communication networks.
• Commercial Potential: QNu Labs expected to commercialize quantum-safe products for government, defense, and enterprise clients.

Why It Matters

This demonstration is a proof-of-concept for India’s quantum-secure future, showing that indigenous startups can deliver cutting-edge infrastructure. It strengthens India’s strategic autonomy in cybersecurity, reduces reliance on imported encryption technologies, and aligns with the National Quantum Mission’s vision of building a robust quantum ecosystem.

Govt-backed QpiAI Launches One of India’s Most Powerful Quantum Computers

Bengaluru-based QpiAI, one of the eight startups selected under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), has launched QpiAI-Indus, a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer. This marks India's first full-stack quantum computing system, integrating advanced quantum processors, scalable control systems, and optimized software for hybrid computing.

The launch, which coincided with World Quantum Day (April 14), positions QpiAI at the forefront of India's quantum ecosystem, driving innovation across life sciences, drug discovery, materials sciences, mobility, logistics, sustainability, and climate action. Since its founding in 2019, QpiAI has filed 11 patent applications and generated revenue of around ₹1 million per annum, with additional funding from SIDBI.

 

QpiAI-Indus

This milestone aligns with India's broader quantum ambitions, reinforcing its position in deep-science and deep-tech innovation. Given your interest in quantum computing's role in AI model fine-tuning, this development could have exciting implications for hybrid AI-quantum optimization.

Notably, India ranks 6th globally in quantum startups, with 53 startups working in the field. However, private investment in quantum computing in India is significantly lower compared to countries like the US and UK.

To recall, Physicist Rajamani Vijayaraghavan led TIFR Quantum Computing Lab at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is working on a 6-qubit quantum system, aiming to develop indigenous quantum computing technology.

India's National Mission for Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA) was launches five years ago, but public investment remains lower than global leaders like China and the US.

While India is making strides, there's still a long way to go in terms of funding and infrastructure.

IBM and Modi Govt Exploring Collaboration in Geospatial AI and Quantum Computing

IBM and the Indian government are exploring collaborations in quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and geospatial AI solutions. This initiative aligns with India's National Quantum Mission, which aims to position the country as a global leader in quantum technology.

IBM's Global Head, Arvind Krishna, recently met with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to discuss potential partnerships. The discussions highlighted India's rapid technological transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the importance of private sector involvement in driving innovation.

The collaboration could have significant implications for industries such as defense, intelligence, and economic security, as quantum technology is seen as a key factor in determining future global power.

Quantum technology is seen as a key factor in reshaping defense, intelligence, and economic security. A recent NITI Aayog report emphasized the transformative impact of quantum technology on defense and intelligence.

The collaboration aligns with India's goal of achieving self-reliance in critical technologies and becoming a global leader in emerging tech sectors.

During the meeting, Dr Singh mentioned the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which aims to build a robust research ecosystem in India. ANRF provides strategic funding for advanced research.

Besides IBM, Google has been working with the Indian government on various initiatives, including digital literacy programs and AI-driven solutions for agriculture and healthcare. Microsoft has partnered with the Indian government to enhance digital transformation in public services and promote AI adoption in sectors like education and healthcare.

AWS has collaborated with the government to provide cloud computing solutions for startups and small businesses, supporting India's digital economy. TCS has been involved in developing AI and blockchain solutions for government projects, including smart city initiatives.

National Quantum Mission (NQM), which was launched in April 2023, has received budget of ₹6,003.65 crore and aims to position India as a global leader in quantum technology by 2031.

Quantum technologies are expected to revolutionize sectors like communication, cryptography, healthcare, and climate monitoring. The mission aligns with national priorities like Digital India, Make in India, and Sustainable Development Goals.

India's proactive investments and strategic initiatives are setting the stage for long-term growth in quantum computing.

India Plans Launching Quantum Satellite in 2-3 Years

India is gearing up to join the quantum satellite race with the goal of creating a hack-proof communication network. The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is at the forefront of this initiative, aiming to launch a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years. This satellite will play a crucial role in establishing a secure quantum communications network across the country.

A quantum satellite is a satellite that uses quantum physics to communicate between space and Earth, and to secure information. Quantum satellites use quantum key distribution (QKD) to securely share a secret key between two parties, which can then be used to encrypt and decrypt messages. The security of QKD is based on quantum mechanics, making it resistant to hacking and eavesdropping.

Ajai Chowdhry, Co-founder of HCL and Chairman of the Mission Governing Board for the National Quantum Mission (NQM), told businessline, “Satellite-based communication will be required for securing country-wide or international communication. The Department of Space is planning to launch a quantum satellite in 2-3 years for quantum communications.”

The NQM has established four Section 8 companies, also known as not-for-profit entities, to focus on different verticals of quantum technologies. These Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) are set up within premier academic institutions and national research and development labs. Below are the four verticals:

1. Quantum Computing: Developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2. Quantum Communication: Establishing satellite-based secure quantum communications and inter-city quantum key distribution.
3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Creating high-sensitivity magnetometers and atomic clocks for precision timing.
4. Quantum Materials & Devices: Designing and synthesizing quantum materials for fabrication of quantum devices.

These hubs aim to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technologies, making India a leader in this field.

Key Points of Quantum Satellite

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): The satellite will use QKD technology to transfer encrypted information securely.
• Complementary to Optical Fibers: While optical fibers are limited to 100-250 km, satellites can transfer quantum data over much larger distances.
• Geographical Advantage: India's diverse geography, including locations like Hanle in Ladakh, offers unique advantages for setting up quantum communication ground stations.
• Global Collaboration: India aims to develop satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2,000 km within the country and internationally.

This initiative positions India as a key player in the global quantum communications race, enhancing the security and reliability of communication networks.

DST Selects 8 Quantum & Cyber-Physical Systems Startups for Support under NQM and NM-ICPS

On 26 November 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the selection of eight pioneering startups for support under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). 

These startups are at the forefront of innovation in quantum technology and cyber-physical systems, and they represent significant strides in fields such as quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum materials.

These startups were chosen through a rigorous evaluation process and are expected to make significant contributions to their respective fields.

Here are the eight pioneering startups selected for support under the National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems:

1. QNu Labs (Bengaluru) - Quantum communication
2. QPIAI India Private Ltd (Bengaluru) Quantum computing
3. Dimira Technologies (IIT Mumbai) Indigenous cryogenic cables essential for quantum computing
4. Prenishq (IIT Delhi) - Precision diode-laser systems
5. QuPrayog (Pune) - Optical atomic clocks
6. Quanastra (Delhi) - Advanced cryogenics and superconducting detectors
7. Pristine Diamonds (Ahmedabad) - Creating Diamond materials for quantum sensing
8. Quan2D Technologies (Bengaluru) - Superconducting Nanowire Single-photon Detectors

These startups are poised to make significant contributions to their respective fields in quantum technology and cyber-physical systems.

Dr. Jitendra Singh

The DST will support the selected startups through a structured framework that includes: Funding Opportunities, Mentorship and Guidance, Infrastructure Support, and facilities to aid in the development and testing of new technologies, among other things.

Categorised by Cities and Institutes:

By Cities:

• Bengaluru:
• QNu Labs
• QPIAI India Private Ltd
• Quan2D Technologies
• Pune:
• QuPrayog
• Ahmedabad:
• Pristine Diamonds
• Delhi:
• Quanastra

By Institutes:

• IIT Mumbai:
• Dimira Technologies
• IIT Delhi:
• Prenishq

These startups represent a diverse range of innovations and specializations in quantum technology and cyber-physical systems.

With this initiative, the Minister remarked, the selected startups are not just participants in a technological mission but torchbearers of India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in quantum science.

During the event, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed that such initiatives and programs should be held beyond Delhi to ensure broader participation and engagement across the country. He emphasized that taking these events to smaller towns and other regions would provide the youth with a valuable opportunity to witness the advancements in quantum technologies and related fields firsthand.

India Will Have Its Own Quantum Computer in the Next 3 Years: Dr. Vijay P. Pandurang

Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay P. Pandurang, one of India's earliest computer scientist, said that "we are working on quantum computers. Through quantum computers, we can increase the speed of any computer manifold" . He said that we have prepared a five-year road map.

Dr. Pandurang is best known for developing the first Indian supercomputer, the PARAM 8000, in 1991. 

The prototype of the quantum computer is ready. Within three years, India will have its own quantum computer, said Dr. Pandurang. He told this in Lucknow, where he was attending the 67th convocation of Lucknow University as the chief guest.

To recall, India is fast progressing towards indigenous quantum computer power. Under the National Quantum Mission, India aims to develop a 24-qubit quantum computer within the next three years and a 100-qubit system in five years. This initiative is being led by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, with collaborations from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). 

This development is part of a broader effort to advance India’s capabilities in quantum technology, which includes computing, communication, measurement, and sensing2. The mission has a substantial budget and is expected to foster innovation and research in this cutting-edge field
Dr. Pandurang, who led the led the development of India's Param supercomputers in the late 1980s, also revealed that during the discussion about the visit of the supercomputer to India, the then US President Ronald Reagan was ready to give the supercomputer to India, but he had laid down some conditions. Ronald wanted India to use it in the context of climate and not in any other context. One of these conditions was that if India violates the conditions, then all other agreements with India will be Cancelled by the US.

America feared that India could use the supercomputer to make missiles. Dr. Pandurang said that India is a country with an agricultural economy. In such a situation, it is important to give timely information to farmers by making accurate estimates about the climate regarding their crops. He told that when America made the supercomputer, the then Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi was ready to buy it, he also talked to America. But, after the talks failed due to the condition, on returning to India, Rajiv Gandhi called him and asked if we can make a supercomputer. "So I replied why can't We". Although I have not seen the supercomputer, I have only seen the picture. He told that at that time Japan was trying to make a supercomputer. Rajiv Gandhi again asked how long it would take to be made, so I replied that it would be ready in 3 years.

Dr. Pandurang was the founder and executive director of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and is currently working on developing exascale supercomputing for India.

Young Scientists From DRDO's Lab Complete End-To-End Testing of Quantum Processor Based on Superconducting Circuit Technology

Scientists from the DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) in Pune, in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, have successfully completed the end-to-end testing of a 6-qubit quantum processor based on superconducting circuit technology.

For a novice, Superconducting Circuits are electronic circuits that operate at extremely low temperatures, where certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance. This property allows for the creation of highly efficient and fast circuits, which are crucial for quantum computing.

Many quantum processors, including those developed by companies like Google and IBM, use superconducting circuit technology.

This milestone by DRDO's young scientists involved submitting a quantum circuit from a cloud-based interface, executing the program on the quantum hardware, and updating the cloud interface with the computed results.

 

Image - DRDO 

The project is a collaboration between DYSL-QT, TIFR, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), with the qubits designed and fabricated at TIFR.

The scientists at DYSL-QT developed the control and measurement apparatus using a combination of commercial off-the-shelf electronics and custom-programmed development boards. They are also responsible for optimizing various aspects of the system’s performance before it becomes operational.

The qubits used in the quantum processor were designed and fabricated at TIFR. The architecture of the quantum processor is based on a novel ring-resonator design invented at TIFR.

TCS developed the cloud-based interface that allows users to submit quantum circuits, execute programs on the quantum hardware, and receive computed results.

In future plans, the next steps include scaling up the number of qubits and assessing the technology’s scalability and feasibility for commercial application.

Beside this, the scientists want to further optimize the system's performance and scaling up the number of qubits to assess the technology's scalability and feasibiliy for commercial applications.

Few days back, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) of India announced to offer grants to 10 to 15 startups in the next three months to support startups in the field of quantum computing.

Govt to Offer Grants to 10 to 15 Promising Startups on Quantum Computing

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) in India is actively supporting startups in the field of quantum computing.

The NQM will offer grants to 10 to 15 startups in the next three months. These grants aim to enable startups to grow, scale, and expand globally. This was announced by NQM's board chairman Ajai Chowdhury.

The plan is to set up four independent section 08 companies, each focused on a specific area – computing, communications, sensing, and materials. These companies are expected to take India-developed quantum products to a global audience.

The government is keen on increasing research and development in quantum technologies (QT). Startups working in this field will receive support to advance quantum computing and related technologies.

Funding Range: The grants will range from Rs 2 crore to Rs 25 crore, based on the startup's technology readiness level and other factors.

This initiative aims to accelerate quantum technology development and research, fostering innovation in India's startup ecosystem.

How to Apply

To apply for the National Quantum Mission grants for quantum computing startups in India, follow these steps:

1. Eligibility Check: Ensure your startup meets the eligibility criteria set by the National Quantum Mission. Typically, this includes being a registered Indian company with a focus on quantum technologies.

2. Prepare Documentation:

• Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan that outlines your startup's goals, technology, and market potential.
• Technology Proposal: Describe your quantum computing project, its innovation, and how it aligns with the mission's objectives.
• Financial Projections: Provide financial projections, including how the grant will be utilized.

3. Application Submission:

Keep an eye out for official announcements regarding the application window.
Submit your application through the designated portal or channel specified by the National Quantum Mission.

4. Evaluation and Selection:

Your application will be evaluated based on technical merit, feasibility, and impact.
If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview or presentation.

5. Grant Utilization:

If approved, utilize the grant for research, development, and scaling up your quantum computing project.

Remember to stay updated on official announcements and guidelines from the National Quantum Mission.

Indian Govt Mulls Working With TCS, HCL and Tech Mahindra to Develop Quantum Tech Software Under Rs 6,000 Crore Scheme

The Indian Government has taken a significant step towards advancing quantum technologies. The National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved on 19th April 2023, is a comprehensive initiative with a budget of Rs.6003.65 crore allocated from 2023-24 to 2030-31. The mission's objectives are to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology within 8 years.

The NQM aims to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem for Quantum Technology (QT) in India, which will include the development of high-sensitivity magnetometers, atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, navigation, and quantum materials for device fabrication¹. It also plans to establish secure quantum communications over long distances and multi-node quantum networks with quantum memories.

In a latest now, the government is looking to work with Information Technology (IT) services majors like Tata Consultancy Services, HCL and Tech Mahindra to develop software for quantum technologies under the NQM, which will support Indian startups and scientists working in the emerging area.

Collaborating with leading technology companies like Tata Consultancy Services, HCL, and Tech Mahindra could significantly contribute to the mission's success by leveraging their expertise in software development and IT services. This partnership would potentially accelerate the R&D efforts and help India become one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).

The NQM is expected to benefit various sectors including communication, health, finance, and energy, with applications in drug design, space, banking, security, and more. It aligns with national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

"We are going to involve our software companies like TCS, HCL, Tech Mahindra etc., into this effort. We want them to do research on quantum technologies because there's a huge amount of algorithms required for quantum,” Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder of HCL and chairman of the mission governing board of the National Quantum Mission said in a statement to a media outlet.

Mr Chowdhry further said that while the mission is cementing up plans to set up four separate hubs for — 1) quantum hardware, 2) quantum encryption, 3) sensors, and 4) materials — by August, these centres are then expected to start the disbursal of onward funding to startups and researchers by September.

Each of these four hubs will be created at a top research institute like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) or Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and be set up as a non-profit company.

The scheme will likely involve creating a robust infrastructure for quantum research, developing quantum-resistant encryption methods, and training a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this emerging technology. It's a significant investment in the future of India's technological landscape, positioning the country as a global contender in the quantum race.

The NQM is expected to benefit various sectors including communication, health, finance, and energy, with applications in drug design, space, banking, security, and more. It aligns with national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

In the global arena, the U.S. has been a major player in quantum research, with significant investments and the development of quantum computers. China has announced a substantial investment of $15 billion in quantum technology, positioning itself as a leader in the field.

The EU plans to spend $7.2 billion in public funding on quantum initiatives, with Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden being among the top investors.

Although lacking a national strategy, Australia too has several R&D initiatives, including the Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence and the Sydney Quantum Academy.