The Centre for the Development of Telematics (C-Dot) signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Synergy Quantum India Private Limited, a cutting-edge deep-tech company engaged in the field of quantum technologies. The association aims to formalize cooperation between C-DOT and Synergy Quantum in the development of drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, leveraging the decoy-based BB84 protocol with polarization encoding, at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above.

As quantum communication is emerging as well as the latest technology, the collaboration will collectively push India’s stride in the development of safe and secure telecom technologies, enhancing the value of the Indian telecom industry and taking it to new heights. The collaboration aims to bolster research and development in this sector by establishing India as a pivotal component of the global telecom space in the R&D of new technologies. 

Scope of Work 

As part of their collaboration, the two companies will jointly advance the development of quantum communication technologies specifically optimized for drone-based deployment. The partnership will also encompass the co-creation of research proposals aimed at securing national and international grant funding. Outcomes from these initiatives will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, white papers, and other scholarly and industry platforms. 

In addition, key representatives from both organizations may contribute by delivering expert talks, leading short courses, and organizing symposia, conferences, and technical meetings focused on emerging and critical research themes.

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Quantum Key Distribution: How will it benefit India? 

The technology can have a transformative impact on the Indian telecom industry as it comes with unbreakable encryption based on the principles of quantum physics, coupled with the flexibility and scalability of drone-based deployment. It can help the Indian telecom industry in two very important ways: cybersecurity and custom deployment. 

Firstly, with increasing concerns around data breaches and cyber espionage, quantum-secured networks can protect critical telecom infrastructure from future quantum-computing threats. Secondly, drone-based systems can serve as temporary or supplementary communication nodes during emergencies, in remote areas, or disaster recovery scenarios, accelerating digital connectivity in underserved regions.

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Public-Private Partnership 

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, remarked, “The convergence of public R&D and private innovation is essential to shaping a secure and self-reliant digital future for India. Quantum technologies hold immense promise for next-generation secure communications, and this collaboration with Synergy Quantum reflects our shared vision of accelerating indigenous capabilities in this critical domain. 

By combining our research depth with industry agility, we aim to jointly develop solutions that not only address national priorities but also contribute to India’s emergence as a global player in quantum innovation.”