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.

Deeptech QNu Labs Launches QNu Academy to Power India’s Quantum-Ready Workforce

• This launch marks a strategic milestone in India's journey toward achieving quantum self-reliance & digital sovereignty
• The academy is designed to serve a wide range of learners, including universities, faculties & students to build a skilled workforce capable of securing India’s digital future

QNu Labs, India’s first and world’s no.1 integrated end-to-end quantum secured cybersecurity platform today announced the launch of QNu Academy, a global educational initiative aimed at building a future-ready talent pipeline in quantum technologies and cyber-security. As India advances its digital infrastructure and aligns with the National Quantum Mission, QNu Academy, backed by National Quantum Mission aims to bridge the existing talent gap. This launch marks a strategic milestone in India's journey toward achieving quantum self-reliance and digital sovereignty.

QNu Academy offers in-depth education and practical training in advanced technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG), and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). The curriculum blends self-paced learning and instructor-led modules, curated in collaboration with experts from premier Indian institutions like the IITs and DRDO, as well as global quantum research bodies. Learners benefit from real-world use cases, hands-on lab assignments, continuous assessments, and mentorship from industry practitioners.

• The academy is designed to serve a wide range of learners, including universities, faculties, and students, to build a skilled workforce capable of securing India’s digital future. In addition, QNu Academy actively supports educational institutions through Faculty Development Programs and the creation of Centres of Excellence (CoE) Labs to promote quantum innovation and applied research. Placement support, certifications and career readiness initiatives are also integrated into the learning journey.

Speaking on the launch, Sunil Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of QNu Labs, said, “QNu Academy is more than an educational platform. It is a national mission to democratize access to quantum education and build widespread awareness around quantum communications. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem for quantum learning in India through faculty development programs, industry-relevant programs, CoE labs, certified programs, real-time projects, and assignments with placement opportunities to develop quantum experts, empowering you to become a future leader. The future of cybersecurity in India depends on how well we prepare today’s learners to tackle tomorrow’s threats.”

“Through QNu Academy, we hope to foster a culture of innovation, encourage indigenous R&D in quantum tech and empower India’s workforce to lead on the global stage,” he added.

QNu Academy represents a timely and important investment in human capital. The program aligns well with India’s broader goals of technological development, digital resilience, and global leadership in quantum innovation. It is envisioned as a long-term commitment to enabling India’s readiness for quantum disruption and equipping the country with the skilled manpower needed to thrive in the post-quantum era.