Quantum Startup: QNu Labs working to build and deploy world’s first end-to-end quantum- safe heterogeneous network
By PIB Delhi
Incubated at IIT Madras Research Park in 2016, QNu Labs is revolutionizing cybersecurity with quantum-safe solutions, positioning India as a global leader in quantum cryptography. In 2018, QNu launched QKD (Quantum Key Distribution), placing India on the global quantum map.
The journey of the deeptech startup has been an eventful one. In 2022, it won the iDEX Open Challenge 2.0, successfully developing a 150-km QKD system with trusted nodes, completing trials with the Army. Under the NSCS grant, it built a Hub-and-Spoke QKD network and received first large order from Indian Armed Forces for building quantum secure wireline networks using already laid optical fibres. In 2023, QNu solved the problem of security over wi-fi links by bringing in Quantum secure VPN solution using its QRNG product and NIST shortlisted PQC algorithm. This paved way for securing wireless networks using QVPN solution at MCEME and MCTE in 2023-24. In 2024, QNu delivered 25 QKD systems to the Indian Navy, marking a significant milestone in quantum secure communication in India.
The startup offers cutting-edge quantum-safe products —Tropos (QRNG), a Quantum Random Number Generator positioned as the new ‘Root of Trust’ for all the solutions and has been commercialized with delivery to DRDO and WESEE for critical applications and to Indian Army for quantum safe wireless solutions; Armos, a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution, delivered to a Middle Eastern client, Defence PSU BEL, the Indian Navy, and recently secured a significant order from the Indian Army; QShield, the quantum-secure SaaS platform, with fours services which are already being used by several clients.
Selected as one of the startups under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), QNu Labs aims to build and deploy a Quantum Communication Network that is Made in India, Made for the World with the world’s first end-to-end quantum- safe heterogeneous network. This network will integrate free-space QKD, indigenous components like SPD and encryptors, QHSM, and a software-defined QKD controller, showcasing India’s leadership in cutting-edge quantum communication technologies.
