IN-SPACe, QNu Labs Sign MoU To Develop Indigenous Quantum Tech Satellite QKD

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangalore-based deep tech startup QNu Labs to develop indigenous Satellite QKD (quantum key distribution) products.

According to the statement, “With this MoU, QNu Labs, with the support of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and IN-SPACe, aims to demonstrate unlimited distance Satellite QKD-based quantum secure communication.”

Terrestrial QKD systems have the limitation of the requirement of repeaters every 100-150 km which is a big hindrance in creating a large-scale Quantum Secure Network. The statement said that with Satellite QKD capability, India can become a world leader in creating Quantum Secure Communication Networks.

The outcome of this collaboration shall ensure that India leads the future of global quantum communication networks that will involve a combination of the quantum-satellite constellation, providing intercontinental connectivity.

Prafulla K Jain, Director of Programme Management and Authorisation, IN-SPACe, Department of Space, said, “QKD is an essential technology development that uses principles of quantum mechanics to ensure security to sensitive information shared among different parties.”

Jain also said that for a country like India, with the expansion of the space sector and with significant shifts in advanced technologies especially in network and communication domains, it is very crucial to have a robust ecosystem in place so that we have smooth operations without having to compromise any sensitive data.

I hope that this partnership with QNu Labs will pave the way for stringent collaborations to strengthen India’s Quantum Secure Communication Network, he added.

Sunil Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of QNu Labs, believes this will be a highly innovative partnership with ISRO’s leadership in space-based communication infrastructure and QNu Labs’ leadership in quantum technology. 

This technology will be a game changer and can be used to keep secure the exchange of sensitive information across long distances, Gupta said.

He envisaged using quantum technology to reinforce India’s scientific leadership and excellence in quantum secure communication, and to increase India’s autonomy in this strategic field. 

Dilip Singh, Chief Product Officer at QNU Labs said that QNu Labs is excited about this collaboration which would create new technology and patents for the country in its quest to become the world leader in Quantum Secure Communication. This partnership project shall pave the path for a home-grown deep tech startup like QNu Labs to be the first of its kind globally, demonstrating QKD network capability covering terrestrials and satellite mediums.

The statement also said that the ISRO with its broad expertise in this domain will play a pivotal role in helping QNu Labs achieve this milestone by supporting payload designs, telemetry, and other related activities.

IN-SPACe will facilitate QNu Labs to achieve the objectives. This Project will provide secure cryptographic key delivery services to customers for a range of applications catering to the industry and government and defence sectors where the security and confidentiality of shared information are crucial, the statement added.