New Delhi: QNu Labs, in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and IIT Gandhinagar, has successfully demonstrated India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution link at a scale of 5.56 km.
The free-space Quantum Key Distribution link was demonstrated during a field trial conducted on the night of September 27–28, establishing a secure quantum communication channel between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.
Using QNu Labs’ Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking system, the free-space Quantum Key Distribution link achieved a stable Quantum Bit Error Rate below 5% and generated secure keys at a rate of 230–260 bps.
These keys were integrated with BISAG-N’s post-quantum cryptography-enabled Vedic Kavach platform, enabling successful end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages.
The free-space Quantum Key Distribution link demonstration combined two complementary layers of quantum security.
These included QNu Labs’ hardware-based QKD device Armos, operating over free-space optical channels, and BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach software-based post-quantum cryptography with quantum random number generation.
This integrated architecture is designed to ensure resilience even if the physical quantum channel is temporarily unavailable.
The free-space Quantum Key Distribution link therefore brought together quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography in a combined security architecture.
Dr. Vinay Thakur, Director General, BISAG-N, stated that the integration of Vedic Kavach with QNu Labs’ QKD technology marks a significant step towards practical quantum-resilient communication systems.
Sunil Gupta, Co-founder and CEO, QNu Labs, emphasized that the successful 5.56 km demonstration paves the way for longer-distance quantum-secure networks and satellite-based quantum communication.
Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd.), In-charge, ISTF, IIT Gandhinagar, added that the demonstration provides a valuable field environment for advancing practical quantum communication technologies and showcases how academia, indigenous technology and real-world experimentation can be integrated to meet emerging secure communication requirements.
The free-space Quantum Key Distribution link trial provides a foundation for advancing India’s capabilities in secure communication infrastructure and strengthening resilience against emerging quantum-era security threats.
About BISAG-N: Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) is an autonomous scientific society under MeitY. It works in space technology applications, satellite communication and geo-informatics, and supports technology-driven governance.
About IIT Gandhinagar: Founded in 2008, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) is a leading institution focused on excellence in engineering, science, technology, humanities and social sciences. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary research, innovative education and solutions to real-world challenges.
About QNu Labs: Founded in 2016, QNu Labs is India’s pioneer in quantum-secure digital infrastructure, offering sovereign products and solutions deployed globally.
Also Read: QNu Labs Recognised as Global Leader in Quantum Key Distribution
