IISER-backed startups achieve breakthroughs in quantum computing, secure communication

Pune: Two quantum technology breakthroughs supported by the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune could accelerate problem-solving and make digital communication more secure in India.Two Bengaluru-based startups backed by I-Hub have achieved these milestones — QpiAI has built a 64-qubit quantum processor named Kaveri 64, while QNu Labs has developed India's first large-scale quantum key distribution (QKD) network.The Kaveri 64 processor uses the principles of quantum physics to process information far faster than traditional computers. While regular computers use bits — which can be either a 0 or a 1 — quantum computers use qubits, or quantum bits. A qubit can exist as a 0, a 1, or both at the same time thanks to a quantum property called superposition. This allows quantum computers to explore many possible solutions simultaneously, making them vastly more powerful for complex problem-solving in fields such as drug discovery, cryptography, climate modelling, and machine learning. According to QpiAI, the processor will be commercially available by late 2026 and could be used by research institutions, companies, and government agencies to handle massive computational workloads.QNu Labs' breakthrough focuses on quantum communication security. Its QKD network, developed over years and tested successfully with the Indian Army's Southern Command in the Rajasthan sector, enables encryption keys to be exchanged in a way that makes eavesdropping virtually impossible — even by future quantum computers. The network currently operates over 500km.I-HUB CEO Kunj Tandon said, "The Army Corps of Signals provided crucial support in the trial for the QKD network, which QNu Labs demonstrated on a 500km optical fiber link. The trial was a major milestone for technology maturity."The company has also built a quantum random number generator, which produces truly unpredictable numbers using quantum physics rather than algorithms. Traditional random numbers generated by computers can sometimes be predicted, but quantum-generated numbers are completely random, making them ideal for encrypting sensitive information. "QKD technology has applications in cryptography domain, which is applicable in defence and also other sectors like banking and finance," Tandon said.IISER Pune Director Sunil Bhagwat said, "The achievements reflect how academic institutions can play a central role in national technology development. The institute will continue to work with startups and researchers to expand India's quantum capabilities and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers working in frontier fields."Tandon, "The advances bring India closer to the goals of the National Quantum Mission, which aims to build strong capabilities in quantum computing, communication, and sensing by 2031."Project Director Sunil Nair added that such collaborations are crucial: "Deep technology innovations grow faster when teams from research institutions and industry work together. The technology hub at IISER Pune supports startups through funding and incubation and helps bring scientific research to the stage of usable products."Both technologies were announced at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2025 held recently in Delhi.