Photo : The IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation Team during the inauguration event at IIT Madras Research Park on 10 Dec
CHENNAI, 10th December 2025: Department of Science & Technology (DST) Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar virtually inaugurated India’s National Hub for Quantum Communication - the IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation. This has been established under National Quantum Mission of the DST.
The inauguration underscored the national importance of advancing quantum secure communication technologies and strengthening India’s quantum infrastructure.
Established at the IIT Madras Research Park, the Foundation was inaugurated today (10th Dec 2025) by Chief Guest Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, Government of India, in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Chairman, Hub Governing Board, Prof. Anil Prabhakar, Project Director of IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation and Faculty, IIT Madras, and other stakeholders.
The IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation will lead India’s initiatives in quantum secure communication technologies and national-scale testbeds and pilot deployments through collaboration with academia, industry and global partners. It will also support deep-tech startups and co-development programmes and capacity building and research ecosystem development.
Addressing the launch virtually, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, Government of India, said, “We have set up Four Hubs under the National Quantum Mission and this hub is important from many perspectives. This is one of the most well-funded hubs. While in computing India still has some catching up to do, in communications, we may have an edge and potential to become globally competitive. In terms of the National Quantum Mission, we are expecting the Quantum Communication and Quantum Sensing hubs to deliver.”
Prof. Abhay Karandikar added, “We not only have given liberal funding but also ensured liberal funding guidelines for start-ups, eight of which have already been funded through the National Cyber-Physical Mission. Now, the hubs can fund the start-ups. IIT Madras Team has technical groups in this hub across different institutions. We have a lot of expectations on technologies and products at the end of five years, which will position India as a leader in Quantum Secure Communications.”
The focus areas of the Foundation include Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Security, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Networks, Quantum Memory and Repeaters besides Satellite-based Quantum Communication.
Highlighting the importance of such an advanced research centre for achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Communication is becoming a very important factor, from both economic and National Security perspectives. We are thankful to DST for selecting IIT Madras to set up this hub. We intend to bring in people with a traditional, classical background and from the Quantum hardware side and also bring in quantum theory experts. I am sure we have the right industry partners and many students who are interested in taking this research.”
The launch event brought together leaders from government, industry and the technology ecosystem, including a diverse group of deeptech startups, researchers and investors. Live demonstrations showcased India’s emerging strengths in quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, integrated testbeds and startup-led innovations that signal growing national momentum in secure quantum communication.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Anil Prabhakar, Project Director of IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation, said, “This inauguration marks a defining milestone for India’s quantum secure future. As the National Hub for Quantum Communication under the National Quantum Mission, we are honoured to welcome distinguished leaders from the Government of India, global industry partners, and an exceptional group of deep-tech startups and leading investors.”
Mr. Ravindra Barlingay, CEO, IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation added, “Their presence reflects India’s collective commitment to building a world-class quantum communication ecosystem. The event showcased live demonstrations, including QKD systems and startup innovations that highlight India’s rapid progress and emerging leadership in this strategic domain.”
Through flagship initiatives such as ‘Quantum Voyages 2025’, the Foundation is strengthening India’s pathway toward secure, scalable and globally competitive quantum communication systems.
The Mission of this Foundation include:
- Advance quantum communication for secure data networks.
- Develop indigenous quantum solutions and position India as a global leader.
- Foster research, innovation, and industrial collaborations for a strong quantum ecosystem.
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