India Achieves Field Demonstration of Airborne-Based Quantum Key Distribution With Post-Quantum Cryptography

India has achieved a significant milestone in advanced secure communications after the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) successfully demonstrated a proof-of-concept for drone-based quantum-secure communication at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, C-DAC reported.

The breakthrough combined Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) with Fully Device-Independent, Entanglement-Based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), extending quantum security beyond conventional laboratory environments.

Developed by C-DAC Pune's HPC Technologies Group under a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology-supported project, the system employed an airborne quantum payload carried by an unmanned aerial platform. The payload distributed entanglement-based quantum cryptographic keys to ground stations, creating a highly secure communications framework for sensitive applications.

The demonstration integrated quantum-generated keys with PQC algorithms designed to withstand future threats posed by quantum computers. Using this dual-layer security architecture, the team successfully conducted real-time encrypted file transfers and achieved secure decryption at the receiving end, validating the operational effectiveness of the concept.

The achievement is particularly significant because it combines two complementary security technologies. While PQC aims to protect digital systems from the computational capabilities of future quantum computers, Quantum Key Distribution leverages the laws of quantum physics to establish cryptographic keys with exceptionally high levels of security. Together, they represent a major step towards resilient next-generation communications for critical military and strategic applications.

Sagar Defence Engineering contributed its Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support the successful proof-of-concept demonstration. The company described its involvement as part of a collaborative effort to strengthen India's indigenous technological capabilities and advance secure communications technologies for demanding operational environments.

The project was led by Dr Anindita Banerjee of C-DAC and showcased close cooperation between government research institutions, academia and the defence establishment. The demonstration was attended by Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi, VSM, Commandant of MCTE; Brigadier R. S. Randhawa; Brigadier Deven Makhija; Lieutenant Colonel Mayank Joshi; Professor R. M. Bodade; Dr Amit Barve; Professor Vimal Bhatia of IIT-Indore; and Dr Shashi Prabhakar of the Physical Research Laboratory.

Project leaders highlighted the achievement as an important contribution towards the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, demonstrating India's growing expertise in quantum technologies and indigenous cyber-security capabilities.

The successful field demonstration marks a critical advance in strengthening cyber resilience and lays the foundation for future-ready, highly secure quantum communication networks capable of supporting critical military operations.

Beyond its immediate defence relevance, the breakthrough reflects India's broader push under national quantum technology initiatives to develop infrastructure-independent secure communications.

Airborne and mobile quantum communication systems could eventually support secure connectivity in remote regions, contested environments and rapidly deployable networks where conventional infrastructure may be unavailable or vulnerable.

C-DAC Press Release

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TDB-DST Backs QNu Labs With ₹150 Crore To Build India’s Indigenous Quantum-Secure Technology Backbone

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Bangalore-based QNu Labs Private Limited for financial support of ₹150 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, marking a major step in strengthening India’s indigenous quantum technology and secure communications capabilities, announced PIB.

The funding forms part of a ₹300 crore project aimed at developing an indigenous technology backbone for India’s Quantum Secure and Sensing Networks (IQSN), a strategic initiative intended to strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty in critical digital infrastructure.

TDB’s support will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD), enabling the company to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced quantum-security and sensing technologies.

The project is designed to advance a range of technologies from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-5 to TRL-9, the stage at which systems are fully validated and ready for deployment in operational environments.

At its core, the initiative seeks to establish a sovereign quantum-security and sensing technology stack capable of supporting secure communications, trusted navigation, device authentication and resilient timing infrastructure across India.

As digital networks become increasingly interconnected, securing the authenticity of devices, protecting communications, ensuring trusted navigation and maintaining reliable time synchronisation are emerging as critical national priorities.

Quantum technologies are widely regarded as a key solution to these challenges because they offer security mechanisms capable of addressing future cyber threats and limitations associated with conventional cryptographic systems.

QNu Labs plans to build this capability around four strategic pillars: identity security, location integrity, network security and time integrity, creating a unified framework for sovereign security and sensing infrastructure.

Under the identity security pillar, the company intends to develop quantum-secure Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and quantum-safe Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs), providing hardware-based device identity, authentication and cryptographic protection while reducing the risks associated with compromised or duplicated identities.

The location integrity component will focus on trusted navigation technologies, including compact quantum magnetometers capable of detecting electromagnetic tampering and supporting navigation in GPS-denied environments, a capability with significant applications for defence and other mission-critical sectors.

The network security segment will advance chip-based and satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), alongside quantum-secure communication modules and encryption systems aimed at protecting data across both terrestrial and long-distance communication networks.

Under the time integrity pillar, QNu Labs will pursue indigenous atomic clock technologies and secure time synchronisation systems using QKD-authenticated distribution, helping to protect telecommunications, financial networks, critical infrastructure and defence systems.

Collectively, these technologies are expected to form an integrated quantum trust framework capable of guaranteeing device authenticity, secure communications, trusted positioning and tamper-resistant timing services.

The program will also involve extensive research, engineering refinement, system integration and validation activities intended to mature these technologies into deployable solutions and strengthen India’s indigenous quantum ecosystem.

TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said quantum technologies are creating new opportunities to tackle challenges in cybersecurity, communications, navigation and critical infrastructure, adding that building indigenous capabilities across these domains is essential for enhancing India’s technological self-reliance and long-term security. He noted that the RDI Fund is specifically intended to support advanced technologies that require sustained investment to progress from research and engineering efforts to fully integrated operational systems.

QNu Labs founder described the partnership as an opportunity to accelerate the company’s research and development roadmap beyond its existing quantum-security portfolio into chip-based and satellite-based QKD, quantum sensing and artificial intelligence.

The company stated that the effort will focus on device identity, location integrity, network security and time integrity while supporting defence, telecom, financial and critical infrastructure sectors, alongside collaboration with academia, industry and Start-Ups to strengthen India’s broader quantum technology ecosystem.

Beyond the immediate project objectives, the initiative aligns with India’s wider push towards quantum technologies through the National Quantum Mission and complements ongoing efforts to build sovereign capabilities in quantum communication, sensing and cybersecurity.

QNu Labs has already emerged as one of India’s leading quantum-security firms, with experience in quantum key distribution, quantum random number generation and secure communication systems, making the new TDB-backed project a significant milestone in the development of an indigenous quantum-secure technology ecosystem.

PIB

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DRDO Successfully Tests Quantum-Secured Communications System To Protect Sensitive Military Data

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully configured and tested a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) platform on the live network of the dynamic test ranges at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Chandipur, marking a significant advance in India's quantum-secured communications capabilities.

The successful trial demonstrates the practical deployment of quantum cryptography in operational defence environments. According to DRDO, the technology is particularly suited to safeguarding real-time observations and telemetry generated during artillery and armoured weapon testing and evaluation, where the protection of sensitive data is of critical importance.

QKD is a highly secure communications technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to enable two parties to generate a shared secret key. This key can then be used to encrypt and decrypt information, ensuring that communications remain secure from unauthorised access.

The platform has been designed and developed under DRDO's Microelectronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Security (MCC) cluster in partnership with Taqbit Labs. The system is intended to provide what is known as unconditional security while also offering the capability to detect any attempt at eavesdropping during the key exchange process.

Unlike conventional cryptographic methods, which rely largely on mathematical complexity, QKD utilises the unique properties of quantum mechanical systems to generate and distribute cryptographic key material. Any interception attempt disturbs the quantum state involved in the transmission, enabling users to detect potential intrusions immediately.

The latest achievement highlights the growing role of quantum technologies in military communications. Secure transmission of telemetry and operational data is increasingly vital as defence systems become more network-centric and data-driven.

Quantum-secured communications are widely regarded as one of the most promising technologies for protecting information against future cyber threats, including those posed by quantum computers. As a result, QKD is attracting significant interest across national security, financial services and telecommunications sectors.

DRDO noted that quantum communication offers fundamentally unbreakable encryption, making it a strategically important dual-use technology with applications extending beyond defence requirements. The technology can help safeguard mission-critical communications as well as sensitive civilian infrastructure.

An additional advantage of free-space QKD is that it removes the need for dedicated optical fibre networks. This can significantly reduce deployment costs and logistical complexity, particularly in difficult terrain, remote operational areas and densely populated urban environments where laying fibre infrastructure may be impractical.

The successful Chandipur deployment builds upon India's broader efforts to establish indigenous quantum communication capabilities. In recent years, DRDO and its research partners have conducted multiple demonstrations of quantum communication technologies, including long-distance fibre-based QKD links and free-space quantum communication systems.

The development of these advanced technologies is being supported through the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) initiative. Under this programme, DRDO has established 15 Centres of Excellence at leading academic institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and several universities.

These centres focus on developing next-generation defence technologies across a range of critical domains, including quantum technologies, cybersecurity, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence and other strategic research areas.

The successful testing of the QKD platform on a live defence network represents an important milestone in India's pursuit of secure quantum communications and reinforces efforts to protect sensitive military data from increasingly sophisticated cyber and surveillance threats.

Agencies

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India’s Quantum Leap Moves Closer To Space-Based Secure Communications; 5.56 km Free‑Space QKD Link Demonstrated

India has achieved a significant milestone in quantum-secure communications by successfully testing a 5.56-kilometre open-air Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, India Today reported.

The field trial was conducted on the night of 27-28 September by QNu Labs in collaboration with BISAG-N and IIT-Gandhinagar. The demonstration transmitted quantum-encoded light across a 5.56-kilometre atmospheric path, proving that secure quantum communications can operate reliably over several kilometres in real-world conditions.

The system maintained a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) below 5 per cent, a key benchmark for secure quantum communications. It also generated secret encryption keys at a rate of 230-260 bits per second, effectively producing enough material for approximately one new AES-256 encryption key every second.

A critical element of the experiment was QNu Labs' Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system, which continuously maintained precise alignment of the narrow optical beam throughout the entire 5.56-kilometre link despite atmospheric disturbances.

The generated quantum keys were integrated with BISAG-N's Vedic Kavach platform, enabling successful encryption and decryption of test messages. This created a dual-layer security architecture combining quantum key distribution with post-quantum cryptography, ensuring communications remain protected even if the physical quantum channel becomes temporarily unavailable because of cloud cover, atmospheric turbulence, dust, noise or alignment issues.

The achievement is particularly important because much of today's digital security infrastructure depends on cryptographic systems such as RSA and ECC, which could eventually be vulnerable to sufficiently powerful quantum computers.

Security experts are increasingly concerned about "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, in which adversaries collect encrypted information today with the intention of deciphering it once advanced quantum computing capabilities become available.

QKD addresses this challenge by using the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute encryption keys. Any attempt to intercept or measure the quantum signal alters its state, providing an immediate indication of potential eavesdropping.

However, quantum signals degrade over long distances when transmitted through optical fibre, limiting the practicality of fibre-only quantum networks across a country the size of India.

This is where free-space and satellite-based quantum communications become strategically important. By transmitting quantum signals through the atmosphere rather than relying exclusively on fibre networks, far greater distances may eventually be covered.

The 5.56-kilometre demonstration therefore serves as a valuable testing ground for technologies required in future space-based quantum networks. Atmospheric transmission allows researchers to evaluate challenges such as turbulence, dust, background noise and precision tracking before attempting similar operations in orbit.

ISRO is already progressing towards this objective. Its Quantum Technology Demonstration in Space (QuTDS) payload has been built, tested and delivered for an upcoming technology demonstration mission. The payload includes optical systems capable of accurately pointing towards target stations and transmitting quantum signals.

The next major initiative is SAQTI, or Secure Applications using Quantum and Optical Technologies, being pursued under the National Quantum Mission. The project aims to demonstrate secure quantum communications between satellites and ground stations, as well as between satellites themselves.

The latest accomplishment represents the newest stage in India's steadily advancing quantum communications programme. The country progressed from a 300-metre QKD demonstration in 2021 to longer-distance trials in subsequent years, culminating in the current 5.56-kilometre free-space achievement.

Additional developments under the National Quantum Mission include larger quantum-secure network demonstrations spanning hundreds of kilometres, reflecting India's broader ambition to establish indigenous quantum-resilient communication infrastructure and prepare for future satellite-based quantum networks.

With the successful validation of core free-space technologies, India's next major objective is expected to be extending quantum-secure communications from terrestrial links to orbital platforms, laying the groundwork for a future quantum-secure space communication network.

Agencies

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DRDO First Deep-Tech Pact On Homegrown 20 mK Dilution Cryocooler To Power India’s Quantum Push

India has taken a major stride towards constructing a vital piece of foundational infrastructure required for advanced quantum applications, Bharat Shakti reported.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has signed its very first high-value deep-tech agreement under the Technology Development Fund program for the indigenous development of an ultra-low temperature 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator.

The landmark agreement was formally inked in New Delhi between the Director of the Technology Development Fund and Alwar, Rajasthan-based deep-tech start-up Zero mK India Private Limited. 

Founded by industry visionaries like Kapil Bansal, the start-up will lead the collaborative development to produce this complex 20 millikelvin-class cryogenic hardware domestically.

This pact marks the inaugural high-value deep-tech project taken up under the dedicated ₹500 crore corpus previously sanctioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The targeted financial pool was specifically approved to promote cutting-edge and emerging technologies through greater participation from private domestic industry and vibrant start-ups.

Although a dilution refrigerator does not function as a standalone quantum computer, it serves as an indispensable enabling platform for multiple quantum-computing architectures. These include systems built upon superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and quantum dots, which require operating environments cooled to a minuscule fraction of a degree above absolute zero.

Lowering the operational environment down to approximately 20 millikelvin allows researchers to maintain the extraordinarily fragile quantum states upon which quantum processors rely.

At such near-absolute-zero conditions, thermal noise and disturbances are drastically suppressed, creating the highly controlled environment needed for delicate quantum computations, coherence retention, and complex experiments.

For India, mastering this ultra-low temperature cryogenic capability within domestic borders yields long-term strategic advantages that extend far beyond quantum computing alone.

Developing advanced cryogenics involves high-precision engineering, specialised thermodynamic loops, custom electronics, and control architectures, where reliance on imported equipment presents significant supply-chain vulnerabilities for sensitive technologies.

Consequently, this Defence Research and Development Organisation initiative aims to achieve much more than manufacturing a single specialized refrigeration device. The initiative seeks to build a resilient domestic technology base in an essential domain that will become increasingly vital as India’s broader quantum technological ecosystem expands over the coming decade.

The program directly aligns with the objectives of the National Quantum Mission, bolstering India’s sovereign capabilities across quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and advanced cryogenics.

Domestic production will cut reliance on expensive foreign cryogenic infrastructure while providing Indian academic researchers, deep-tech start-ups, and commercial developers ready access to critical machinery.

This agreement also signals a progressively widening mandate for the Technology Development Fund in nurturing deep-tech start-ups that work on dual-use capabilities with applications reaching well beyond traditional military platforms.

The 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator effort will serve as an crucial early test of the collaborative Defence Research and Development Organisation-industry framework for building challenging deep-tech systems locally.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Zero mK India Private Limited, and all participating stakeholders on reaching this milestone.

He expressed firm confidence that this public-private partnership would set a strong precedent for future defence-industry joint ventures across critical emerging technology domains.

Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, and Defence Research and Development Organisation Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also extended his congratulations to the technical teams and wished them complete success in fulfilling the project's milestones.

The development process will be actively mentored and monitored by the Solid State Physics Laboratory based in Delhi. The Director of the Solid State Physics Laboratory and his specialist team are providing direct technical mentorship, joined by senior officials from the Micro Electronic Devices & Computational System, Cyber Security, and Technology Management divisions.

This strategic contract comes at a pivotal moment as India accelerates efforts to construct an end-to-end indigenous quantum tech landscape spanning computing, secure communications, and ultra-precise sensors.

Creating indigenous capability in the less visible but foundational hardware—such as 20 millikelvin cryogenics—could ultimately prove just as decisive to national technological sovereignty as developing the quantum processors themselves.

Agencies

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India Launches 14 Quantum Products To Secure Future Communication Networks

India has taken a decisive step in fortifying its communication security with the unveiling of 14 indigenous quantum products by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) during its 43rd Foundation Day in New Delhi.

These innovations are designed to safeguard India’s communication networks against the looming threats posed by future quantum computers, ensuring resilience across civilian, enterprise, and defence applications.

The products harness both Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technologies to secure phone calls, internet connections, and sensitive data.

By integrating these advanced methods, India is preparing its communication systems to remain secure even when quantum computing advances to the point of breaking classical encryption. This initiative reflects the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of self-reliance in critical technologies.

Among the QKD systems, Q-AKSHAY CD is a compact fibre-based solution employing Coherent One Way (COW) and Differential Phase Shift (DPS) protocols, while Q-AKSHAY MD represents the next generation, built on the Measurement Device Independent (MDI) protocol for enhanced security. These systems are designed to provide robust quantum-secure links across fibre networks, ensuring interception attempts are instantly detectable.

Critical quantum components unveiled include C-SPD, a Single-Photon Detector essential for quantum communication systems, and C-RD, a wideband RF driver for modulators. These components form the backbone of scalable quantum-secure networks, enabling India to build indigenous capability in quantum hardware.

The PQC solutions unveiled span multiple layers of communication. Q-SETU is a quantum-safe encryptor for Layer 3 communications with throughput up to 80 Mbps, while Q-MAHASETU is a commercial-grade encryptor for Layer 2/3 networks capable of 40 Gbps throughput.

Defence-grade solutions include Q-VIKRAM, offering 1 Gbps throughput for sensitive communications, and Q-PARAKRAM, which employs proprietary algorithms for strategic defence-grade encryption. For high-capacity optical links, Q-AMOGH secures transmissions at 200 Gbps, ensuring resilience for backbone networks.

Products designed for everyday and enterprise use include Q-DARSHAN, a quantum-safe video IP phone, and Q-VACHAN, an in-line node that upgrades existing IP phones with quantum security. Enterprise networks benefit from Q-RAQSHAK, which provides quantum-safe communication solutions, while Q-VAAYU delivers wireless point-to-point quantum-secure connectivity. Q-VAJRA1000 extends quantum-safe access to GPON and wireless radios, ensuring broad applicability across telecom infrastructure.

Category	Product	Application/Network Layer	Key Features/Throughput	Target Segment
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems	Q-AKSHAY CD	Fibre-based QKD (COW & DPS protocols)	Compact 1U form factor; secure key generation over fibre	Telecom, Enterprise
	Q-AKSHAY MD	Fibre-based QKD (MDI protocol)	Measurement-Device-Independent; eliminates detector vulnerabilities; multi-topology over single-mode fibre	Defence, Strategic
Critical Quantum Components	C-SPD	Single-Photon Detector	Core sensing element for QKD receivers; Near-Infrared (NIR) SPAD-based	System Integrators
	C-RD	Wideband RF Driver	Drives intensity & phase modulators in quantum communication systems	System Integrators
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Solutions	Q-SETU	Layer 3 Network Encryptor	Up to 80 Mbps; NIST PQC algorithms (ML-KEM, ML-DSA); IPSec integration	Enterprise, BFSI
	Q-MAHASETU	Layer 2/3 Commercial Encryptor	Up to 40 Gbps; high-speed quantum-resistant protection	Enterprise, Telecom
	Q-VIKRAM	Layer 2/3 Defence Encryptor	Up to 1 Gbps; defence-grade security for sensitive communications	Defence, Strategic
	Q-AMOGH	Layer 1 Optical Encryptor	Up to 200 Gbps; wire-rate encryption with minimum latency; hybrid Maths+Physics architecture	Data Centres, High-bandwidth networks
	Q-DARSHAN	Quantum-Safe Video IP Phone	SIP-based secure voice & video; NIST PQC for signaling & media	Enterprise, Government
	Q-VACHAN	In-line Node for IP Phones	Upgrades existing IP phones with quantum security; NIST PQC algorithms	Enterprise, Government
	Q-RAQSHAK	Enterprise Network Solution	Quantum-safe campus & external communications; distributed security architecture	Enterprise, BFSI
	Q-VAAYU	Wireless Point-to-Point Solution	Line-of-sight wireless; hybrid Classical+PQC encryption; solar/POE-ready	Defence, Remote sites
	Q-VAJRA1000	Quantum-Safe Access Node	Supports GPON & wireless radios; upgrades existing access networks	Telecom, Enterprise
	Q-PARAKRAM	Defence-Grade Encryptor	Proprietary algorithms for strategic communications; highest security classification	Defence, Strategic

The strategic significance of these products lies in their integration of QKD technologies with NIST-approved PQC algorithms, ensuring India’s communication infrastructure is protected against “harvest now, decrypt later” threats.

By spanning enterprise, telecom, wireless, optical, and defence applications, these solutions demonstrate India’s comprehensive approach to securing its digital future.

The launch event was presided over by Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications, alongside senior dignitaries. A consolidated booklet of C-DOT’s indigenous quantum solutions was also released, underscoring India’s commitment to building future-ready communication technologies.

This initiative positions India among the select nations capable of deploying indigenous quantum-secure communication systems, reinforcing strategic autonomy and national security.

The unveiling of these 14 products marks a milestone in India’s quantum journey, combining indigenous innovation with global relevance. It strengthens India’s defence, enterprise, and civilian communication networks, ensuring resilience against the cyber challenges of the quantum era.

Agencies

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India Successfully Completes Military Trials of Indigenous Quantum Key Distribution System

India has achieved a significant milestone in quantum-secure communications with the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully completing military field trials of an indigenous fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution system.

The trials were conducted in collaboration with Taqbit Labs, Bengaluru, and supported by academic partners including IIT-Delhi, IISc-Bangalore, and IIT-Jodhpur.

The system was tested across a 100 km optical fibre link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar Pradesh, with a measured loss of 26 dB. The trials recorded a Quantum Bit Error Rate of 6 per cent and achieved a secure key rate of approximately 5 kilobits per second.

This throughput is sufficient for secure text and low-bandwidth voice encryption, while the physical layer monitoring confirmed the ability to detect eavesdropping attempts.

Earlier demonstrations had been carried out over shorter distances, including a 10 km field test in December 2020. Building on these laboratory proofs of concept and prior trials, the DRDO team and its industry partner have now successfully architected and produced a deployable system capable of securing critical networks.

The key advantage of Quantum Key Distribution lies in its reliance on the laws of quantum mechanics rather than mathematical complexity. Any attempt to intercept communication collapses the quantum state or elevates the Quantum Bit Error Rate, immediately alerting authorised users.

This makes the system immune to computational advances, including attacks from future quantum computers, and provides fundamentally unbreakable encryption.

The trials demonstrated that practical limits such as single-photon detector dead-time, clock rates, and optical channel noise can be managed effectively to maintain secure key generation in the low kilobits-per-second range. The system also tested decoy states and error correction methods to enhance reliability and throughput.

This milestone lays the foundation for building large-scale, multi-hop quantum communication networks that are indigenously designed and can seamlessly safeguard national communication infrastructure against emerging cyber threats in the quantum era. The architecture is scalable and practically secure, ensuring that India’s strategic communication networks are future-proofed against next-generation threats.

The successful trials highlight the dual-use potential of quantum communication technology. While its immediate application is in defence, the same principles can be extended to finance, telecommunications, and other critical sectors requiring secure data transmission.

By achieving this breakthrough, India has positioned itself among the leading nations advancing quantum technologies. The integration of indigenous research institutions and private industry partners underscores the strength of India’s deep-tech ecosystem and its commitment to strategic autonomy in secure communications.

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AI, Quantum Tech To Power India's Next-Gen Satellites And Strengthen National Security

India’s National Space Technology Conclave 2026 at Chandigarh University concluded with ISRO experts and industry leaders affirming India’s emergence as a global space power, highlighting radar system leadership, AI/ML-driven satellites, quantum-secure communications, and space sustainability as pillars of future missions.

The event also unveiled Chandigarh University’s Declaration on Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a leading innovation hub.

The two-day conclave at Chandigarh University brought together over thirty eminent scientists, mission leaders, technologists, CEOs of space start-ups, and senior representatives from ISRO, IIST, IN-SPACe, NSIL, and URSC.

It was organised by the Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science and Technology in collaboration with ISRO and IIST. The conclave was part of the National Space Day 2026 celebrations and aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dr. Nilesh M Desai, former Director of the Space Applications Centre, ISRO, emphasised that India has emerged as a global leader in radar systems over the past decade. He noted that India’s capabilities now span almost all major radar frequency bands, positioning the country as an attractive partner for agencies such as NASA, JPL, CNES, and JAXA.

He stressed that Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, and Inter-Satellite Links will transform upcoming satellite systems. On-board processing and edge computing will enable satellites to process data in orbit, supporting real-time decision-making for governance, planning, and disaster management.

Quantum technology will enhance cyber security for financial transactions, military communications, and sensitive networks. He also highlighted ISRO’s efforts to strengthen secure navigation capabilities to counter spoofing threats and the development of India’s Space-Based Surveillance program for national security.

Dr. Anil Kumar, former Director of ISTRAC, ISRO, addressed the critical challenge of space sustainability. He explained that the growing accumulation of space debris from defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments poses risks to operational spacecraft.

Even small debris travelling at high velocities can cause severe damage and trigger cascading collisions. He warned that uncontrolled re-entry of space objects could create risks on Earth and that the proliferation of satellites affects astronomical observations.

He stressed the need for responsible operations, continuous monitoring, collision avoidance, debris mitigation, and stronger international cooperation. He affirmed India’s active role in safeguarding satellites, supporting international guidelines, and participating in global forums to ensure outer space remains safe and usable for future generations.

Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University, highlighted India’s transformation into a global space power. He recalled the historic launch of Aryabhata in 1975 and noted that India has since pioneered cost-effective launches, with PSLV delivering 399 foreign satellites till 2026 compared to just 35 before 2014.

He said India’s growing launch capabilities are attracting global demand, reflecting a confident and self-reliant nation. He emphasised that recent space reforms have enabled private participation, investment, and innovation, ensuring India’s rise as a leading global space power to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The second day of the conclave focused on translating space technology priorities into education, research, and mission capabilities. Sessions covered mission architecture, satellite and subsystem engineering, payload development, validation, ground stations, TT&C, mission control, AI-enabled operations, and space data processing.

A strategic roundtable and expert sessions explored space systems and mission engineering, scientific payloads, and ground segment operations.

The day also featured an interactive ‘Meet the Scientists & Space Industry Leaders’ session, giving students direct engagement with experts, followed by a student-space leaders conversation and the valedictory function.

Additional highlights included the unveiling of the Chandigarh University Declaration on Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to strengthen universities’ role in national space missions.

The conclave also showcased India’s booming private space ecosystem, with over 450 start-ups since the sector was opened to private participation in 2020.

Experts urged students to think beyond textbooks, develop solutions for societal benefit, and prepare for future capabilities such as habitation on the Moon and Mars.

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QuBeats Secures DRDO Tenders For Quantum RF Sensor And Gyroscope

QuBeats has secured two major multi-crore tenders from the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to develop frontier quantum technologies.

The projects awarded include the development of a Rydberg-based Quantum RF Sensor and a Quantum Gyroscope, both of which represent cutting-edge advancements in quantum-enabled defence systems.

The Rydberg-based Quantum RF Sensor is designed to exploit the unique properties of Rydberg atoms, which are atoms with electrons excited to very high energy levels. These atoms are extremely sensitive to electromagnetic fields, making them ideal for detecting radio frequency signals across a wide spectrum.

By leveraging quantum optical phenomena such as electromagnetically induced transparency, the sensor can achieve ultra-precise, SI-traceable measurements of RF electric fields. This technology promises to revolutionise electronic warfare, spectrum monitoring, and secure communications by enabling detection of weak signals and simultaneous multiband monitoring.

Its integration into defence platforms would provide India with sovereign capabilities to analyse complex electromagnetic environments without reliance on foreign technologies.

The Quantum Gyroscope project focuses on developing a next-generation navigation system that does not depend on satellite signals. Traditional navigation systems rely heavily on GPS, which can be jammed or denied in hostile environments.

A quantum gyroscope, however, uses the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly atom interferometry, to measure rotation with extraordinary precision. This makes it invaluable for submarines, aircraft, and land-based platforms operating in GPS-denied scenarios. The technology ensures highly accurate navigation and positioning, strengthening India’s strategic autonomy in defence operations.

QuBeats’ success in winning these tenders highlights the growing role of private industry in India’s defence quantum ecosystem. The collaboration between DRDO and indigenous start-ups reflects a deliberate push towards fostering innovation and accelerating the development of sovereign technologies under the National Quantum Mission. By engaging industry partners, DRDO aims to fast-track the transition of laboratory-scale quantum research into deployable military systems.

The awarding of these tenders also underscores India’s commitment to building a robust quantum technology base. With global powers investing heavily in quantum sensing, secure communications, and navigation, India’s initiatives ensure it remains at the forefront of strategic technological advancements. 

The projects entrusted to QuBeats will not only strengthen national security but also contribute to the broader vision of establishing India as a leader in quantum defence applications.

The successful execution of these programs will mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards quantum-enabled defence capabilities.

Both the Rydberg-based Quantum RF Sensor and the Quantum Gyroscope are expected to undergo rigorous development and testing phases, with eventual deployment in critical defence platforms.

These technologies will provide India with unmatched precision in sensing and navigation, reinforcing its strategic edge in modern warfare.

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American Companies Deepen Investment And Trade Ties With India

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday underscored the scale of American corporate interest in India, describing the country as a vital investment destination and a trusted partner in global trade. 

Speaking at the QUANTUM exhibition in Bangalore, he highlighted that bilateral trade between India and the United States has surged from around $20 billion a decade ago to over $240 billion today, reflecting unprecedented growth in economic ties.

He pointed out that Karnataka alone hosts more than 1,000 American companies, a figure that continues to rise steadily. Gor remarked that few regions worldwide can boast such a concentration of US firms, underlining the depth of engagement between the two economies. He stressed that the United States is committed to being present in India, with companies expanding their footprint daily.

The ambassador revealed that American businesses frequently approach the US Embassy in New Delhi to explore opportunities in India. He explained that week after week, new firms establish operations, seeking mutually beneficial partnerships. Gor emphasised that this momentum is not abstract but visible in tangible results, with trade volumes and investments steadily climbing.

Reflecting on the rapid expansion of bilateral trade, he noted that the leap from $20 billion to $240 billion in just ten years demonstrates the strength of the partnership. He said that every week and every month brings fresh engagement, reinforcing the trajectory of growth.

Gor also highlighted the strategic breadth of cooperation between the two nations. He observed that India conducts more military exercises with the United States than with any other country, a sign of deepening defence ties. In healthcare, he pointed out that 40 per cent of generic pharmaceuticals consumed in the United States originate from India, a reliance rooted in trust and reliability.

He underscored India’s inclusion in the US-led Pax Silica initiative, describing it as a milestone in building resilient and trusted global supply chains.

He explained that one of his first priorities upon assuming office was to secure India’s participation in Pax Silica, which is designed to safeguard critical supply chains in technology and innovation. India was among the first ten countries invited to join, ahead of several longstanding US allies such as Germany and Japan, reflecting Washington’s confidence in New Delhi.

The envoy stressed that the scale of interest among leading American companies in India is unmatched. He revealed that in just one day he had met with executives from Meta, Rolls-Royce and Netflix, illustrating the breadth of engagement across sectors. He added that if one looked at his monthly schedule, the sheer number of US firms visiting India would be unparalleled.

Gor remarked that there is no sector in which India and the United States are not working together. He said that from advanced manufacturing to space exploration, from environmental programs to cutting-edge technology, collaboration is expanding rapidly.

He noted that critical and emerging technologies remain central to the partnership, with both countries committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators.

On social media, Gor shared highlights from his visit to the QUANTUM exhibition, reiterating the importance of scientific collaboration. Earlier in the day, he held meetings with industry leaders and government representatives to advance cooperation in advanced manufacturing, technology, space and environmental sectors.

The ambassador’s remarks reinforced the message that India is not only a trusted partner but also a preferred destination for American investment. He stressed that the partnership is expanding across every domain, driven by trust, shared values and a commitment to innovation.

ANI

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India’s Growth Future Anchored In AI, Deep Tech And Globally Competitive Manufacturing

India’s next phase of economic growth is being positioned around technology, research and development, entrepreneurship and globally competitive manufacturing.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised that the country must focus on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics and advanced materials.

He underlined that India must move beyond simply increasing production and instead concentrate on developing smarter, higher-quality products that can compete globally.

Goyal told industry leaders that the future of manufacturing cannot be limited to producing more, but must be about producing smart. He explained that India would require better technology, automation, design, packaging and branding to strengthen its global competitiveness. He urged businesses to leverage India’s large domestic market while simultaneously expanding into international markets to achieve scale and generate employment opportunities.

The minister announced that the government has launched a ₹1 lakh crore research and development innovation fund. This fund will provide long-tenure, low-cost risk capital to support new technologies and innovation. He also highlighted that the India AI Mission has already onboarded 38,000 GPUs for startups and researchers at affordable rates, with plans to expand capacity further.

On semiconductors, Goyal said the first SEMICON program had been a huge success. He revealed that the government has now introduced SEMICON-2, with a fund of around $12–13 billion, creating fresh opportunities for investment and innovation. He stressed that this initiative would help India establish a stronger presence in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Goyal also spoke about India’s startup ecosystem, noting its evolution towards deeper technology focus. He urged Indian investors to provide capital to promising domestic startups rather than allowing successful technologies and innovations to be acquired by foreign investors. He insisted that Indian pools of capital must support the country’s own innovation ecosystem.

The minister called on industry to strengthen the MSME sector through technology adoption and improvements in productivity and quality. He made four specific requests to industry: never compromise on quality, reinvest earnings in R&D and people, leverage India’s free trade agreements to convert opportunities into market share, and take greater risks in emerging technologies.

He encouraged businesses to invest in deep tech and new-age technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, and biotechnology.

He stressed that India’s future is bright and the country is well positioned to pursue its long-term growth ambitions, with innovation and technology forming the foundation of the next phase of the India growth story.

India’s strategy reflects a broader global trend where nations are investing heavily in AI, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing to secure economic leadership. With initiatives such as the AI Mission and SEMICON-2, India is signalling its intent to become a major player in the global technology and innovation landscape. The emphasis on domestic capital mobilisation also highlights a shift towards self-reliance in nurturing innovation ecosystems.

ANI

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DRDO Validates Quantum Key Distribution in Field Trials — A New Era for Secure Military Communications

India’s successful military field trials of an indigenous Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system mark a decisive leap in secure defence communications, ensuring protection against future quantum-computer-based cyber threats and laying the foundation for large-scale quantum-secure networks.

This achievement positions India among the select nations capable of deploying unbreakable encryption for military and strategic infrastructure.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), working with Bengaluru-based Taqbit Labs, has completed military field trials of a fibre-based QKD system. This system is designed to provide highly secure communication for critical military and strategic networks, moving beyond laboratory demonstrations into a deployable, ruggedised solution suitable for operational environments.

Unlike conventional encryption, which relies on mathematical algorithms, QKD leverages the laws of quantum mechanics. The No-Cloning Theorem ensures that quantum states cannot be copied or measured without disturbance. Any attempt at interception alters the quantum particles, immediately corrupting the key and alerting operators. This makes eavesdropping detectable and renders compromised keys useless before sensitive data is transmitted.

The trials demonstrated a scalable multi-hop architecture, allowing secure nodes to be chained together to extend communication links across vast distances. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of signal degradation over fibre and paves the way for a large-scale quantum communication grid capable of connecting command centres, radar stations, and critical military infrastructure.

DRDO confirmed that its system uses entanglement-based QKD, which offers enhanced security compared to traditional prepare-and-measure methods. Even if communication devices are imperfect or compromised, the entanglement of photons ensures interception attempts disturb the quantum state, instantly alerting authorised users.

The system has been engineered to withstand real-world conditions, including environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations and fibre signal degradation. Hardware has been made tamper-evident and resilient, ensuring suitability for deployment in operational military environments.

This milestone is part of India’s National Quantum Mission, which aims to establish sovereign quantum technologies across communication, sensing, and cryptography. By achieving this success, India strengthens its strategic autonomy and digital sovereignty, reducing reliance on foreign technologies.

The implications extend beyond defence. Quantum communication provides fundamentally unbreakable encryption, making it a dual-use technology with applications in finance, energy, and telecommunications.

Banks and enterprises can adopt quantum-safe networks to protect critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, including the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy where adversaries collect encrypted data today to decrypt later with advanced quantum computers.

India’s achievement positions it among the elite nations capable of deploying quantum-secure networks, alongside global leaders such as China, the United States, and members of the European Union. This reinforces the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by showcasing indigenous innovation in deep-tech and defence.

The successful military field trials confirm India’s readiness to operationalise quantum-secure communication networks, ensuring resilience against the cyber challenges of the quantum era and safeguarding national security.

Agencies

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India Achieves Quantum Lockdown: Indigenous QKD Secures Military Networks Against Any Future Hackers

India has achieved a decisive leap in secure defence communications with DRDO and Bangalore-based Taqbit Labs successfully completing military field trials of an indigenous fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, announced DRDO.

This breakthrough ensures protection against next-generation cyber threats, including attacks from future quantum computers, and lays the foundation for a scalable multi-hop quantum-secure network for India’s Armed Forces.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Taqbit Labs, has transitioned quantum cryptography from laboratory experiments into a ruggedized, combat-ready system.

The fibre-based QKD system demonstrated during military field trials is designed to secure India’s strategic communication networks against adversaries employing “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics, where encrypted data is intercepted today with the intent of decryption once quantum computing matures.

Unlike classical encryption, which relies on mathematical complexity, QKD leverages the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. The No-Cloning Theorem ensures that quantum states cannot be copied or measured without altering them.

Any attempt at interception instantly disturbs the quantum particles, corrupting the key and alerting operators in real time. This makes eavesdropping detectable and renders compromised keys useless before any sensitive data is transmitted.

The system has been engineered to withstand real-world conditions, including environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations and signal degradation across commercial fibre lines. Taqbit Labs and DRDO have ensured that the hardware is tamper-evident and resilient, making it suitable for deployment in operational military environments. This marks a significant step in productising quantum security for national defence.

One of the steepest challenges in quantum networking is distance, as quantum signals degrade over fibre after several dozen kilometres. DRDO’s breakthrough lies in its scalable multi-hop architecture, which chains secure nodes together to extend communication links across vast distances. This architecture paves the way for building a large-scale quantum communication grid capable of connecting command centres, radar stations, and critical military infrastructure.

The trials represent a milestone in India’s National Quantum Mission, which aims to establish sovereign quantum technologies across communication, sensing, and cryptography. By achieving this success, India positions itself among the select nations capable of deploying quantum-secure military networks, reinforcing strategic autonomy and digital sovereignty.

Beyond defence, the implications of this achievement extend to banking, energy, and other critical sectors where quantum-safe communication is vital. The system’s scalability ensures that India can expand its quantum-secure backbone to protect national infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

This accomplishment highlights India’s growing ecosystem of indigenous quantum innovation, with DRDO and start-ups like Taqbit Labs spearheading efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technologies. It also demonstrates the synergy between defence research and private deep-tech enterprises in advancing sovereign capabilities.

The successful military field trials of the QKD system confirm India’s readiness to operationalise quantum-secure communication networks, ensuring resilience against the cyber challenges of the quantum era.

DRDO News

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India-EU Free Trade Agreement To Boost Investments, Jobs And Strategic Cooperation With Finland

India and Finland are witnessing a significant strengthening of their bilateral relationship, with Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen emphasising the transformative potential of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.

She stated that the agreement would bring substantial benefits in terms of investments, trade intensification, and job creation across both sides.

The India-EU FTA, concluded in January 2026, eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, engineering goods, and automobiles. The formal signing of the agreement is expected in December 2026, marking a milestone in India’s expanding economic diplomacy.

Valtonen highlighted that Finland would actively push for the swift implementation of the FTA within the European Union. She noted that the pact holds immense promise for businesses, prosperity for citizens, and political cooperation.

She described Finland and India as having a “special friendship” rooted in shared values of freedom and choice, underscoring the importance of closer collaboration between nations that uphold democratic principles.

The Finnish Minister recalled discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit to Finland in June, where both sides reviewed progress under the India-Finland Strategic Partnership. She stressed that the relationship between the two countries has never been stronger and that there is vast potential to deepen cooperation further.

She pointed to opportunities in trade, investment, digitalisation, the green transition, security, space, and ground breaking technologies. According to her, the FTA provides the foundation for this cooperation and has been extremely well received, offering a strong basis for future collaboration.

Valtonen also reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to supporting India’s climate goals. Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and is willing to assist India in its own pursuit of climate neutrality. She explained that clean energy is not only vital for the planet but also represents an attractive business case, benefiting both people and industries.

During Jaishankar’s visit, both nations discussed expanding cooperation in emerging technology sectors such as start-ups, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, quantum technologies, 6G, clean energy, and space. These areas are expected to form the backbone of the next phase of India-Finland collaboration.

The India-EU FTA is therefore seen as a catalyst for intensifying trade, boosting investments, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for deeper strategic cooperation. Finland’s proactive stance reflects the growing synergy between New Delhi and Helsinki, as both nations align on economic, technological, and environmental priorities.

ANI

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IISc Breakthrough In Smart Materials Unlocks Path To Quantum Processors, Sensors And Sustainable Data Storage

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers in Bangalore have achieved a breakthrough by developing smart materials capable of reversible magnetic switching near ambient temperatures, paving the way for next‑generation quantum processors, advanced sensors, and energy‑efficient data storage systems.

This innovation addresses long‑standing challenges in materials science and could significantly reduce energy demands in modern data centres.

IISc scientists led by Abhishek Mondal, Associate Professor at the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit (SSCU), have synthesised novel chemical frameworks composed of self‑assembling metal‑organic layers.

These highly porous crystals can change their physical properties in response to light, heat, or mechanical pressure, making them ideal candidates for quantum technologies and industrial sensing applications.

The first study, published in Angewandte Chemie, solved a persistent challenge in achieving robust magnetic switching in three‑dimensional beehive‑type porous materials. Traditionally, when gases or liquids enter such materials, the lattice expands or contracts, stimulating atoms to switch their magnetic state.

However, in conventional porous materials, this effect remains localised, limiting efficiency. The IISc team overcame this by designing a chemical complex with an elastic matrix, enabling uniform magnetic switching across the entire material. This breakthrough could lead to highly sensitive gas‑capture sensors capable of selectively adsorbing methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

A second study, published in Small, tackled the critical issue of operating temperatures. Contemporary materials with similar properties typically function only at ultra‑low temperatures below 50K (‑223°C), making them impractical for real‑world use.

The IISc team designed a two‑dimensional hexagonal framework that achieves light‑, heat‑, and solvent‑induced magnetic transitions near ambient temperatures. This advancement makes the materials far more viable for everyday applications, including environmental monitoring and biological sensing.

Krishna Kaushik, a PhD student and first author of both studies, emphasised that the goal was to create systems that remain stable and functional close to room temperature. The new materials not only achieve this but also exhibit visible colour changes during magnetic transitions, allowing transformations to be observed directly without specialised equipment.

The implications are significant. Modern data centres and electronic devices consume vast amounts of energy, and alternative materials that operate more efficiently could substantially reduce energy demands.

Furthermore, materials capable of acting simultaneously as sensors, switches, and memory elements may simplify device architectures, lower manufacturing costs, and accelerate the development of sustainable technologies.

These innovations also align with India’s broader push towards self‑reliance in advanced science and technology, complementing recent achievements in quantum computing and sensor development.

The IISc breakthrough adds to India’s growing reputation in frontier research. Earlier this year, IISc scientists also demonstrated quantum sensors manoeuvred through biological environments using magnetic micro-bots, highlighting the institute’s leadership in quantum and materials science.

Together, these advances position IISc as a global hub for next‑generation technologies that could transform industries ranging from computing and energy to healthcare and defence.

IISc Newsletter

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Amaravati Quantum Valley Achieves Indigenous Cooling Breakthrough At Four Kelvin

AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his visit to the Quantum Reference Facility.

Amaravati Quantum Valley announced on Friday that its indigenous dilution refrigerator successfully reached four Kelvin, equivalent to minus 269 degrees Celsius, at the Quantum Reference Facility in Medha Towers, Amaravati.

This milestone marks a significant advance in India’s efforts to build a domestic quantum technology ecosystem.

The achievement was highlighted by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his visit to the Quantum Reference Facility. The breakthrough supports Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to position Amaravati as a hub for advanced technologies and strengthens India’s cryogenic engineering capabilities. A press release described the four Kelvin milestone as the first major technical success of the initiative.

The journey towards this achievement began in September 2025, when scientists, researchers, start-up founders and industry leaders met Chief Minister Naidu. During the meeting, they presented an assessment indicating that nearly 85 per cent of the components required for quantum computing infrastructure could potentially be developed within India. This assessment laid the foundation for a vision of building a domestic quantum hardware ecosystem.

Following the meeting, Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh called for the creation of a ‘Made in Amaravati for the World’ initiative to establish indigenous quantum hardware capabilities.

Amaravati Quantum Valley subsequently partnered with Qbit Force and Qubitech to identify opportunities for developing quantum hardware within India, with a particular focus on cryogenic technologies essential for advanced quantum computing.

This effort led to the establishment of Quantum Reference Facilities at Medha Towers in Amaravati and at a private college in Andhra Pradesh in April 2026. These facilities provide start-ups, researchers, academic institutions, national laboratories and industry partners with access to testing and validation infrastructure for quantum hardware developed domestically.

The Quantum Reference Facility has been described as a national testbed and validation platform for quantum technologies. It enables the development, integration, testing and validation of technologies across cryogenic systems, vacuum engineering, control electronics, processor technologies and quantum control systems.

Several indigenous technologies, including precision power supplies, quantum control software, electronic modules and other hardware components, are already being evaluated on the platform.

Operating at four Kelvin allows the testing of superconducting devices, quantum sensors, cryogenic electronics, single-photon detectors and other components used in quantum computing, communication and sensing technologies.

The system will continue cooling towards ultra-low millikelvin temperatures required for advanced superconducting quantum computing applications. The next phase will support further quantum hardware testing and processor development.

Amaravati Quantum Valley acknowledged the support of the National Quantum Mission and the Department of Science and Technology in advancing India’s indigenous quantum technology ecosystem. The initiative underscores India’s growing capabilities in cryogenic engineering and its determination to achieve sovereignty in quantum technologies.

Agencies

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Bangalore Start-Up QpiAI Builds India’s Most Powerful 64-Qubit Quantum Processor ‘Kaveri’

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in the field of quantum computing with the announcement of the country’s most powerful indigenous quantum processor, according to a report by Deccan Herald.

Bangalore-based start-up QpiAI has successfully built a 64-qubit superconducting quantum processor named ‘Kaveri’.

This achievement places India in the elite league of nations capable of designing and fabricating such advanced quantum systems, a group that currently comprises only seven countries worldwide. The processor represents a significant leap forward in India’s technological sovereignty and innovation capacity.

The processor crosses the critical 50-qubit threshold, a benchmark recognised globally as the point where quantum systems begin to outperform classical computers in specific problem domains. Kaveri is a testament to the strength and dynamism of Bangalore's innovation ecosystem, which continues to deliver cutting-edge technologies for the nation.

The processor has been developed by QpiAI, a start-up comprising experts in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, device physics, and related fields. The company’s mission, as outlined on its official website, is to transform frontier computational science into reliable, production-grade technologies that provide measurable industrial advantages.

This vision aligns with India’s broader ambition to establish itself as a global leader in advanced technologies, reducing dependence on foreign innovation and fostering indigenous capabilities.

QpiAI is led by Nagendra Nagaraja, its founder, CEO, and Chairman, who has spearheaded the team’s efforts in achieving this milestone. Under his leadership, the company has focused on building a robust ecosystem that integrates quantum computing with artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies.

The development of Kaveri not only demonstrates India’s ability to design and fabricate complex quantum systems but also signals the country’s readiness to harness quantum computing for industrial, scientific, and strategic applications.

The significance of Kaveri lies in its potential to address computational challenges that classical systems cannot efficiently solve. Quantum processors of this scale are expected to revolutionise fields such as cryptography, materials science, drug discovery, optimisation problems, and artificial intelligence.

By crossing the 50-qubit threshold, Kaveri positions India to explore these domains with unprecedented computational power, opening opportunities for both academic research and industrial deployment.

This achievement also underscores the growing role of start-ups in India’s technological landscape. QpiAI’s success reflects the confidence and capability of Indian innovators to design, build, and test frontier technologies domestically.

It strengthens India’s standing in the global quantum race, where countries are competing to achieve supremacy in quantum computing as a strategic asset for national security and economic growth.

The unveiling of Kaveri marks a turning point in India’s quantum journey. It demonstrates that the nation is not only capable of participating in the global quantum ecosystem but also of contributing breakthroughs that place it among the world’s leaders.

With continued support from government initiatives and the entrepreneurial spirit of start-ups like QpiAI, India is poised to expand its footprint in quantum technologies, ensuring that its innovation ecosystem remains at the forefront of global scientific and technological progress.

Agencies

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IIT-Bombay Breaks Ground On Advanced Research Labs To Boost Scientific Innovation

On 14 May 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay marked a significant milestone with the ground-breaking ceremony of its upcoming Advanced Research Labs (ARL).

This high-end facility has been envisioned to strengthen the Institute’s advanced scientific and technological research ecosystem and to provide a world-class platform for interdisciplinary innovation.

The event was attended by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT-Bombay, Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Deputy Director (Finance & Infrastructure Affairs), Mr. Abhay Nadkarni, Committee member (NN315), as well as Deans, Associate Deans, faculty members, end users, the project team of the IPS office, Architect M/s AAD, and other distinguished guests.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by Kiran Janjalkar, Deputy Executive Engineer of the IPS Office. Prof. P. Vedagiri, Dean of IPS, highlighted the salient features of the project and its strategic importance for the Institute’s research ambitions.

The ARL facility is conceived as an integrated high-technology research campus comprising four specialised research blocks dedicated to Mechanical Engineering, Quantum Technology, Semiconductor Technology, and Ocean Engineering.

This multi-disciplinary approach reflects IIT-Bombay’s commitment to fostering collaboration across diverse scientific domains.

The architectural design of the ARL has been conceived as a unified expression that responds sensitively to the site’s natural topography. Sustainability is a key feature, with the building targeted for a GRIHA 4-star rating.

The facility will include a common administrative and interaction hub, providing workspaces, conference facilities, exhibition areas, and industry collaboration spaces. This hub is intended to serve as a vibrant centre for knowledge exchange and partnerships with industry and academia.

The project incorporates a steel-framed Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) structural system, which enables large column-free spans, modular adaptability, and faster construction timelines.

This modern construction approach ensures flexibility for future expansions and adaptability to evolving research needs.

The facility will house advanced clean-room laboratories, vibration-isolated equipment, high-end utility support systems, and specialised experimental facilities, thereby meeting the stringent requirements of cutting-edge scientific research.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT-Bombay, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the IPS office team and reiterated the Institute’s commitment to creating world-class research infrastructure.

He emphasised that the ARL will foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific advancement at the highest level.

The facility is expected to significantly enhance IIT-Bombay’s ability to undertake pioneering research in areas critical to India’s technological future, including quantum computing, semiconductor fabrication, advanced mechanical systems, and ocean engineering technologies.

The ARL project represents a forward-looking vision for IIT-Bombay, aligning with national priorities in science and technology.

By integrating advanced infrastructure with sustainable design and collaborative spaces, the Institute is positioning itself as a leader in global research and innovation.

The ground-breaking of the ARL marks not only the beginning of a major construction project but also a new chapter in IIT-Bombay’s journey towards excellence in scientific discovery and technological development.

IIT-Bombay News

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