QNu Labs, BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar successfully test quantum-secure communication channel
Gandhinagar: India has successfully demonstrated its first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over a distance of 5.56 km, marking a significant step towards the development of quantum-secure communication infrastructure in the country.
The field trial was conducted by QNu Labs in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and IIT Gandhinagar during the night of September 27–28. The demonstration established a secure quantum communication channel between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.
Using QNu Labs’ Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system, the trial achieved a stable Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) of below 5% and generated secure cryptographic keys at a rate of 230–260 bits per second (bps).
The generated keys were integrated with BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach platform, which incorporates post-quantum cryptography and quantum random number generation. The integration enabled successful end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages, demonstrating the practical application of the combined security architecture.
Two-Layer Quantum Security Architecture
The demonstration brought together two complementary approaches to quantum security. QNu Labs’ Armos QKD device generated and distributed quantum keys through a free-space optical channel, while BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach provided software-based post-quantum cryptographic protection.
According to the participating organisations, the integrated architecture is designed to maintain resilience even when the physical quantum communication channel becomes temporarily unavailable.
Dr. Vinay Thakur, Director General, BISAG-N, said the integration of Vedic Kavach with QNu Labs’ QKD technology represents an important step towards developing practical quantum-resilient communication systems.
Sunil Gupta, Co-founder and CEO, QNu Labs, said the successful 5.56-km demonstration could pave the way for the development of longer-distance quantum-secure networks and future satellite-based quantum communication systems.
Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd.), In-charge, ISTF, IIT Gandhinagar, said the demonstration provided a valuable field environment for advancing practical quantum communication technologies. He added that it showcased how academic research, indigenous technology and real-world experimentation can be brought together to address emerging secure communication requirements.
The successful trial provides a foundation for further development of India’s secure communication infrastructure, particularly as organisations prepare for security challenges associated with the emerging quantum era.
About the Organisations
BISAG-N is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) working in areas including space technology applications, satellite communication and geo-informatics, while supporting technology-driven governance.
IIT Gandhinagar, established in 2008, is an institution focused on engineering, science, technology, humanities and social sciences. It promotes interdisciplinary research, innovative education and solutions to real-world challenges.
QNu Labs, founded in 2016, describes itself as an Indian pioneer in quantum-secure digital infrastructure, developing sovereign quantum security products and solutions for global deployment.