Under National Quantum Mission (NQM), India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000-km quantum communication network one of the longest in the world within less than two years of the mission’s launch in October 2024. The milestone was achieved using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs, a startup supported under the mission.
Key Facts
- Technology used: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), one of the longest QKD deployments globally
- Achieved by: QNu Labs, an Indian startup focused on quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions
- Technology works across challenging terrains including underwater and underground networks
- Mission target: 2,000 km quantum communication network over 8 years; India has achieved 1,000 km in under 2 years
Applications
Strengthens secure communication across:
- Defence systems
- Financial infrastructure
- Critical national infrastructure
- Civilian and strategic applications across difficult terrains
About National Quantum Mission (NQM)
- Objectives: To develop cutting-edge quantum technologies across quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing–metrology, and quantum materials, and to build a strong national ecosystem spanning R&D, infrastructure, startups, and skilled human resources.
- Outlay: Rs 6,003.65 crore
- Duration: 8 years (2023–2031)
- Four focus areas: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials
- Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) established in FY 2024-25, incorporated as Section-8 Companies. They are established at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi
Key Deliverables Under NQM (Timeline-wise)
Quantum Computing:
- 3 years: 20–50 physical qubits
- 5 years: 50–100 physical qubits
- 8 years: 50–1,000 physical qubits
Quantum Communication:
- Satellite-based secure quantum communication between ground stations over 2,000 km within India
- Inter-city QKD over 2,000 km using wavelength division multiplexing on existing optical fibre
- Multi-node quantum network with quantum memories, entanglement swapping and synchronised quantum repeaters
Quantum Sensing:
- Magnetometers with 1 femto-Tesla/sqrt(Hz) sensitivity
- Atomic clocks with 10⁻¹⁹ fractional instability for precision timing, communications and navigation
Quantum Materials:
- Design of superconductors, novel semiconductor structures and topological materials for quantum devices