IIT Madras Launches National Hub for Quantum Communication

IIT Madras has inaugurated the IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation, a national centre dedicated to advancing India’s quantum communication capabilities. The hub, established at the IIT Madras Research Park, will anchor national efforts in developing secure quantum technologies through collaboration with academia, industry, start-ups, and global partners.

Purpose and Institutional Leadership

The new foundation serves as India’s National Hub for Quantum Communication under the National Quantum Mission. Led by IIT Madras in partnership with C-DOT, it will drive research, innovation, and pilot deployments in quantum-secure communications. Senior officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and IIT Madras emphasised its strategic role in national security and technological leadership.

Core Research and Technology Focus

Key areas of work include Quantum Cryptography, Post-Quantum Security, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Networks, Quantum Memory, Quantum Repeaters, and satellite-enabled quantum communication. The hub aims to deliver advanced products and technologies within five years, enhancing India’s competitiveness in next-generation secure networks.

Role in the National Quantum Mission

The foundation is one of four hubs established under the National Quantum Mission, and among the best funded. DST leadership expects significant outcomes from the Quantum Communication and Quantum Sensing hubs. Liberal funding provisions have enabled support for start-ups, several of which have already been assisted under national cyber-physical initiatives.

Exam Oriented Facts

• IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation is India’s National Hub for Quantum Communication.
• Focus areas include QKD, quantum cryptography, quantum memory, repeaters, and satellite quantum links.
• The hub operates under the National Quantum Mission with strong DST support.
• Located at IIT Madras Research Park, it promotes collaboration across academia, industry, and start-ups.

Industry Collaboration and Future Outlook

IIT Madras leadership highlighted plans to integrate classical communication experts, quantum hardware specialists, and theoreticians to accelerate innovation. With strong industry partnerships and growing student interest, the hub is positioned to bolster India’s technological sovereignty in quantum-secure communications.