What Quantum Cryptography Solutions Mean for India’s Security
In July this year, the ministry of science & technology announced that a team of Indian scientists had created a user-friendly method for generating unpredictable random numbers. This breakthrough was crucial for stronger quantum data encryption and robust cybersecurity. But does India truly need this solution? Quantum encryption, also known as quantum cryptography, refers to advanced cybersecurity methods that secure data through the immutable laws of quantum mechanics. QNu Labs, a pioneer in quantum cryptography solutions, is on a mission to develop world-class technology in India. In an exclusive interview with AIM, Rahil Patel, chief growth officer at QNu Labs, explained, “Historically, India has been strong in software and application development, but we’ve rarely led in hardware or cutting-edge technology that can be adopted globally. QNu Labs wants to change that.” According to Patel, India has often been viewed as an adopter of innovations from other countries, but today, new policies enable domestic manufacturing. “We aim to go further and create technology of such quality and innovation that advanced economies would want to import from us,” he added. Given India’s rapid digitisation, with initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI, and advances in finance and capital markets, enhanced security is essential to avoid external threats. “Our goal became twofold: to develop a technology that instils national pride and to safeguard India’s digital and critical infrastructure,” Patel noted. Besides finance, aerospace and defence sectors demand the highest level of security to protect against sophisticated cyber threats. QNu Labs has partnered with the Indian defence forces to deploy the Armos Quantum Key Distribution system, enhancing secure wireless communications in critical field operations. Additionally, it has collaborated with aerospace leaders to integrate quantum-safe encryption into their infrastructures, safeguarding satellite communications and navigation data against cyber-physical threats. It aims to establish this technology as a robust national asset that is deeply integrated into India’s digital framework before expanding globally. Recently, QNu Labs opened an office in the United States, underscoring its commitment to “Made in India, Made for the World”. Quantum in the AI Era There are four primary fields in quantum technology. One is cryptography, which QNu Labs focuses on; another is quantum sensing, which helps in detecting and understanding phenomena underground, underwater, in the air, and so forth. The third area that is gaining significant attention these days is quantum computing, which has applications in industries like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Last, there is materials science, where new materials are emerging that enable these quantum technologies to become commercially viable, much like silicon does for electronics. The combination of quantum and AI creates a formidable defence against malicious actors, preserving the confidentiality and integrity of digital communications and data. “AI acts as an enabler across these quantum domains, especially in cryptography and secure communications. While AI can pose risks by potentially breaking traditional encryption standards, quantum technologies can protect against these threats,” Patel said. In terms of practical applications in the AI era, quantum technology is transforming areas like healthcare with the advent of personalised medicine. In security, quantum can help predict the nature of cyber-attacks, allowing for targeted defences. The combined impact of AI and quantum leads to faster innovation, focused solutions, and personalised benefits. For India, quantum technology isn’t just an aspiration – it’s a national mission. Led by Ajai Chowdhry, the co-founder of HCL and the founder of EPIC Foundation, India’s National Quantum Mission places quantum at the forefront of the country’s strategic priorities. With new leadership, the mission has gained momentum, focusing on structured execution and setting clear goals for leveraging quantum technology to benefit the nation. By January 2024, Chowdhry and his team had established the quantum mission’s framework, beginning with a request for proposals (RFP) to attract expertise and innovative ideas across the quantum spectrum. Speaking on the investment end, he said, “It was decided that INR 4,000 crore will be directly with the National Quantum Mission and INR 2,000 crore will be spent by others, which include the departments of space, defence, and atomic energy. So, it’s an INR 6,000-crore plan.” Patel noted that India aims to lead in quantum, much like it has done with fintech, setting ambitious goals for industry, academia, and research institutions to collaborate in driving forward this technology. What’s Next? With approximately 75% of global GDP now digital and still growing, the need for robust security increases. Encryption, acting as a digital lock and key, remains the primary method to secure digital data. However, encryption standards have traditionally been developed in Western countries, raising concerns about trust and surveillance. To ensure secure and resilient technology for the future, quantum technology is essential. Unlike conventional encryption, which relies on complex mathematics, quantum encryption leverages the unbreakable laws of physics, offering what’s known as absolute or unconditional security. For QNu Labs, this journey began with incubation at IIT Madras, then moved to Bengaluru, and was supported by the former principal scientific advisor to the Prime Minister. Building on this momentum, QNu has assembled experts to propel its innovation forward.
For India, quantum technology isn’t just an aspiration – it’s a national mission.
QNu Labs, a pioneer in quantum cryptography solutions, is on a mission to develop world-class technology in India.
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