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India Inaugurates First National Quantum-Communication Hub at IIT Madras

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 23:11 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Inauguration of India’s First National Quantum‑Communication Hub at IIT Madras

On 11 December 2025 the Indian government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) formally inaugurated a new “National Hub for Quantum Communication” at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The event, attended by DST Secretary Shivam Mukherjee, IIT Madras Director Prof. S. Prasad, and senior political leaders, marks a significant milestone in India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), which aims to transform the country into a global quantum powerhouse by 2030.

A Brief Overview of the National Quantum Mission

Launched in 2021, the National Quantum Mission is an integrated, multi‑disciplinary initiative that coordinates research, development, and deployment of quantum technologies across India. Its core objectives include:

• Building a robust quantum research ecosystem – by establishing national hubs, regional labs, and industry‑academia collaborations.
• Accelerating technology transfer – from fundamental research to commercial products.
• Developing skilled human resources – through specialised training, scholarships, and international fellowships.
• Fostering global partnerships – with leading quantum‑research nations and private sector players.

The NQM has already funded dozens of projects spanning quantum computing, sensing, cryptography, and simulation. The new IIT Madras hub, specifically focused on quantum communication, is the first of its kind under the mission’s umbrella.

What is Quantum Communication?

Quantum communication exploits the principles of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement, and no‑cloning—to transmit information securely. Its most celebrated application is quantum key distribution (QKD), which allows two parties to generate a shared secret key with security guaranteed by the laws of physics, immune to conventional eavesdropping techniques.

Other quantum‑communication concepts include quantum teleportation, quantum repeaters, and quantum networks that enable entanglement distribution over long distances. In India, QKD trials have already been conducted in several cities, but a nationwide, integrated infrastructure has been missing—until now.

The IIT Madras Hub: Vision and Scope

Key features of the hub include:

Prof. S. Prasad, Director of IIT Madras, highlighted that the hub would serve as a “central node for quantum‑communication research and a training ground for the next generation of Indian quantum engineers.” The hub’s research agenda will address both theoretical and experimental challenges, ranging from developing long‑range entanglement protocols to integrating quantum devices with existing telecom infrastructure.

The Inauguration Ceremony

The ceremony began with a brief speech by DST Secretary Shivam Mukherjee, who underscored the strategic importance of quantum communication for national security, finance, and data protection. Mukherjee noted that India’s “Quantum Future” will hinge on its ability to establish a resilient quantum‑network backbone across the country.

Following Mukherjee’s remarks, Prof. S. Prasad presented the hub’s mission statement. He explained that the hub’s first research thrust will be the deployment of a “Quantum Secure Network” (QSN) connecting major Indian metropolises (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai). The QSN will leverage a network of quantum repeaters and satellite‑assisted links, ensuring end‑to‑end secure communication over thousands of kilometers.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Quantum‑Secure Satellite Link” prototype—a payload developed in collaboration with ISRO. This prototype will enable QKD between ground stations and the Indian Polar Satellite (INSAT‑P), paving the way for a nationwide satellite‑based quantum network.

Political dignitaries, including the Minister of Science and Technology, expressed their confidence that the hub would drive India’s quantum competitiveness and help the country secure critical data infrastructures against cyber‑attacks.

Expected Impact on India’s Quantum Landscape

1. Accelerated Commercial Deployment – The hub will bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial deployment, with the first pilot quantum‑secure banking network expected by 2028.
2. Talent Development – With a dedicated training program, the hub will produce 100–150 quantum specialists annually, feeding a burgeoning domestic industry.
3. Global Collaboration – The hub will host international conferences and joint research projects, positioning India as a key player in the global quantum arena.
4. National Security – Secure quantum links will protect sensitive military and governmental communications, ensuring resilience against quantum‑adversarial attacks.

Dr. R. Kumar, a leading QKD researcher at the hub, remarked that “the synergy between IIT Madras’s expertise in photonics and ISRO’s satellite capabilities will be a game‑changer for India’s quantum infrastructure.”

Additional Context and Related Initiatives

The article also referenced several other milestones:

• Quantum Computing Cluster at IIT Kharagpur – a joint venture with IBM to build a 50‑qubit superconducting processor.
• National Quantum Software Initiative – funded by DST to develop quantum‑aware cryptographic libraries and AI‑driven simulation tools.
• Public Awareness Campaigns – launched by the Ministry of Education to promote quantum literacy among high‑school students.

These initiatives underscore the holistic approach of the National Quantum Mission: fostering research, building infrastructure, and cultivating talent simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

The inauguration of the National Hub for Quantum Communication at IIT Madras represents a watershed moment for India’s quantum ambitions. By bringing together world‑class research facilities, industry partners, and national strategic objectives, the hub is poised to accelerate the nation’s journey toward a secure, quantum‑enabled future. As India navigates the global race for quantum supremacy, this new centre will serve as both a launchpad and a beacon—illustrating how science, policy, and innovation can converge to create transformative technology.