Key Points
- India demonstrates 1,000-km quantum communication network using indigenous technology
- Nine new startups added to National Quantum Mission taking total to 17
- Technology Development Board receives over 100 R&D proposals within two months
India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000-km quantum communication network, one of the longest such deployments globally, in under two years of launching the National Quantum Mission. Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh received the update during a review of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on Wednesday.
The milestone was achieved using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based startup supported under the mission that specialises in quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions. Quantum communication uses the principles of quantum physics to secure data transmission; any attempt to intercept the data changes its quantum state, alerting users to the breach.
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The achievement represents significant progress against the mission’s target of establishing a 2,000-km quantum communication network over eight years. The National Quantum Mission was launched in October 2024 with an outlay of ₹6,003 crore.
What the quantum milestone means for India
DST Secretary Dr Abhay Karandikar described the development as a landmark advancement in secure quantum communication. He noted that progress had exceeded the originally envisaged timelines.
The technology uses quantum key distribution, a method where encryption keys are generated using quantum particles called photons. Because observing quantum particles changes their behaviour, any eavesdropping attempt becomes immediately detectable. This makes the communication channel theoretically impossible to hack without detection.
The development is expected to strengthen secure communication capabilities across defence networks, financial systems and critical national infrastructure. Officials said the technology is designed to work across challenging terrains, including underwater and underground networks, expanding its potential for both civilian and strategic applications.
Government expands startup support to 17 ventures
In a parallel effort to deepen the country’s quantum capabilities, the government has expanded support under the National Quantum Mission to nine additional startups. The total number of ventures receiving mission support now stands at 17.
The newly supported startups are working across quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials. Their focus areas include quantum biosensors for disease detection, photon sensing technologies, quantum positioning systems, atomic memory and precision electronic systems.
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The nine new startups receiving support are Sense-XT, ORVISSEMI, QuBeats, Quantum AI Global, bloq, GDQ Labs, Quantum Biosciences, Bumble Bee Instruments Pvt Ltd and SAS Qute Electronics Pvt Ltd. QNu Labs, which developed the 1,000-km network, was among the eight startups supported in the initial round.
The review also highlighted progress under the Research, Development and Innovation funding framework. The Technology Development Board (TDB) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are functioning as second-level fund managers under this structure.
TDB received over 100 proposals within two months of issuing a call for applications. Six companies recommended by the investment committee are being taken forward, while additional proposals remain under consideration.
The biotechnology segment, supported through BIRAC, has also witnessed increased activity. Nearly 200 applications were received under recent calls, including projects in cancer research, gene therapy and bio-manufacturing.
Officials highlighted the use of new financial instruments such as optionally convertible debt. Under this structure, startups receive debt funding that can later convert to equity, allowing them to raise capital without immediate ownership dilution. The instrument is designed to attract private investment alongside public funding.
Minister calls for wider outreach on R&D programmes
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the need for transparency, structured evaluation and wider outreach to improve participation in government-backed R&D funding. He called for coordinated communication strategies to amplify key scientific achievements, including the quantum milestone.
“The aim is to position India’s emerging technology capabilities more prominently,” the minister said during the review.
Senior officials present at the meeting included DST Secretary Dr Abhay Karandikar, TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak and BIRAC Managing Director Dr Jitendra Kumar.
The government plans to continue mission-mode support for deep-tech sectors including 6G communications, advanced manufacturing, space technologies and biotechnology. The next phase of the quantum mission will focus on extending the communication network towards the 2,000-km target while scaling indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the National Quantum Mission?
The National Quantum Mission is a government programme launched in October 2024 with an outlay of ₹6,003 crore. It aims to develop India’s capabilities in quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials over eight years.
What is quantum key distribution?
Quantum key distribution is a secure communication method that uses quantum particles called photons to generate encryption keys. Any attempt to intercept the data changes its quantum state, making eavesdropping immediately detectable.
Which startup developed the 1,000-km quantum network?
QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based startup specialising in quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions, developed the indigenous technology for the 1,000-km quantum communication network.
How many startups are supported under the National Quantum Mission?
The government now supports 17 startups under the National Quantum Mission after adding nine new ventures to the programme. These startups work across quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials.