C-DOT, Synergy Quantum Partner for Drone-Based Quantum Tech
New Delhi: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s premier telecom Research & Development (R&D) institution under the Department of Telecommunications, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Synergy Quantum India Private Limited to jointly develop drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.
This collaboration aims to advance quantum-secure communication technologies, leveraging the decoy-based BB84 protocol with polarisation encoding that uses light patterns to ensure safety. The goal is to develop these systems to a stage where they are nearly ready for real-world use (Technology Readiness Level 6 or above).
The partnership aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to foster indigenous innovation in secure telecom technologies. C-DOT and Synergy Quantum will co-develop quantum communication systems optimised for drone deployment, focusing on applications in defence, emergency response, critical infrastructure, and secure government communication. The collaboration also includes joint research proposals for national and international grants, scholarly publications, white papers, and organising symposia, conferences, and expert talks.
Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, emphasised the significance of the partnership, stating, “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.”
Jay Oberoi, Founder & CEO of Synergy Quantum India, a cutting-edge deep-tech company engaged in the field of quantum technologies, highlighted the global potential, noting, “This partnership has the potential to position India as a global leader in drone-based quantum secure communications.”
The MoU was signed in a ceremony attended by Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, Dr. Pankaj Dalela, and Shikha Srivastava from C-DOT, alongside Jai Oberoi, Ajay Singh (COO), Dr. Vipin Rathi, and AM G S Bedi from Synergy Quantum, among other senior officials. This agreement marks a significant step toward building quantum-safe telecom infrastructure, enhancing India’s capabilities in secure data transmission.
C-DOT, as a leading R&D institution, and Synergy Quantum, a deep-tech company specialising in quantum technologies, aim to combine their expertise to create cutting-edge solutions. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global quantum technology landscape while addressing national security and communication priorities.
– global bihari bureau
