DRDO Unveils India’s First Quantum Tech Hub to Strengthen Defence and Cyber Sovereignty

 

 

In a landmark move to propel India into the next frontier of strategic technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi. Inaugurated on May 27, 2025, this initiative is set to bolster India's position as a global leader in quantum computing and defence technology while reinforcing the nation's digital and cyber sovereignty.

The QTRC represents India’s first dedicated Quantum Tech Hub, designed to foster indigenous capabilities in quantum research with a sharp focus on national security. The centre will spearhead advancements in Quantum Computing India, Quantum Encryption India, quantum sensing, and post-quantum cryptography, all of which are critical to safeguarding future communication and data infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.

 

Equipped with world-class experimental systems, the QTRC is capable of testing and characterising advanced quantum components including Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), Distributed Feedback Lasers, single-photon sources, and micro-fabricated alkali vapor cells. These innovations form the foundation for cutting-edge applications such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) — a secure communication method that is virtually immune to hacking, ensuring that defence-grade communications remain impenetrable even in a post-quantum world.

At the helm of this initiative is DRDO’s Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), tasked with ensuring that these technologies are developed indigenously. The centre is expected to catalyse collaborative R&D efforts with academic institutions and defence startups, further strengthening India's domestic technology ecosystem in alignment with the India Quantum Technology roadmap.

“The QTRC is a critical enabler in securing our future. As the global landscape transitions towards quantum technologies, India must lead the way—not follow,” stated Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, during the launch.

This quantum leap underscores the growing importance of quantum research for national defence, cybersecurity, and technological self-reliance. As global powers invest heavily in the quantum race, India’s bold step through DRDO ensures it remains strategically competitive and digitally sovereign in the 21st century.