India’s National Quantum Mission achieved a 1,000 km secure quantum communication milestone, Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced during a review meeting. The PIB release stated the milestone was achieved using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs, a startup supported under the NQM focused on quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions.
DST Secretary Dr. Abhay Karandikar described it as “a landmark advancement in secure quantum communication,” noting progress ahead of envisaged timelines. The achievement was described as one of the longest quantum key distribution deployments globally since the mission became operational in October 2024.
In a parallel move, government support under the NQM was expanded to nine additional startups, bringing the total number of supported ventures to 17. Areas covered by the newly supported startups include quantum biosensors, photon sensing technologies, quantum positioning systems, atomic memory, and precision electronic systems.