India’s first significant Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network, covering more than 500 kilometers, has been successfully demonstrated by one of the eight start-ups funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) National Quantum Mission (NQM).
QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd., a quantum technology startup based in Bangalore, has achieved a critical milestone in quantum-secure communication with the deployment of a network over existing optical fiber infrastructure.
On the fringes of yesterday’s Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), a formal announcement on the demonstration of a (QKD) network spanning more than 500 kilometers was made. This event was attended by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology; Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman of the National Quantum Mission’s Mission Governing Board; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; and other officials.
This presentation is in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of India as a global leader in safe digital infrastructure and developing technology. Additionally, it establishes India as a major participant in the second quantum revolution, creating new opportunities for sophisticated cybersecurity and safe digital communication.
The I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, a Technology Innovation Hub under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS) housed at IISER Pune, provided funding for this demonstration.
The capability demonstration was greatly aided by the Indian Army and its Southern Command. Southern Command Signals specifically designed and developed the test-bed optical fiber network to facilitate this QKD testing.
In the Rajasthan Sector, a Corps of Signals team made selective access to their fiber network possible. In order to facilitate end-to-end quantum key exchange over an effective distance of more than 500 kilometers, this network had several nodes, two of which functioned as trusted nodes dispersed along the path.
This accomplishment directly advances the goals of the National Quantum Mission and marks a major turning point in the development of quantum-secure communications in India. The program is a prime example of the Synergy of Technology, Research, Industry, and Defense Ecosystem (STRIDE), which promotes cooperation among important sectors to enhance the country’s technological capacities.
During his debut speech at ESTIC 2025, the Hon’ble Union Minister presented the Hon’ble Prime Minister with QSIP (Quantum Random Number Generator System in Package), a product of the same start-up, QNu Labs. The technology gives India access to quantum-certified randomness, which is utilized in cryptographic algorithms and provides the best defense against both present-day cyberthreats and potential quantum attacks.
