C-DOT and Synergy Quantum Collaborate for Drone-Based Quantum Communication Systems

 

 

To advance secure communications in India, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Synergy Quantum India to jointly develop drone-based quantum communication systems. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of quantum technology leadership and is set to play a vital role in strengthening the nation’s secure telecom infrastructure.

This strategic alliance focuses on building Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems leveraging drones as mobile platforms—a concept poised to redefine real-time, high-security communication in critical sectors such as defence, emergency response, and secure government communications. The system will implement the BB84 protocol using polarisation encoding, aiming to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher, making it a practically deployable solution.

The C-DOT Synergy Quantum collaboration is a cornerstone initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) mission, reinforcing the commitment to indigenous innovation in quantum technologies. While C-DOT brings its deep expertise in secure communication R&D and telecom systems, Synergy Quantum India offers cutting-edge capabilities in deep-tech and quantum encryption solutions, creating a synergy that promises groundbreaking advancements in quantum communication systems in India.

The envisioned quantum drones will be capable of establishing secure, tamper-proof links through QKD technology, a frontier area in cybersecurity that ensures encryption keys are shared securely and immune to interception. This mobile and flexible approach to secure communication will be especially critical for operations in remote, high-risk, or rapidly evolving environments where traditional infrastructure is unavailable or compromised.

This partnership also highlights C-DOT’s expanding role in public-private collaborations, reaffirming its position as a leading institution in national telecom innovation. By working with Synergy Quantum, C-DOT aims to accelerate India's journey toward developing world-class quantum communication infrastructure, in alignment with global standards.

The C-DOT quantum technology initiative is expected to create new benchmarks for secure communication and inspire more C-DOT partnerships with emerging tech companies. It also aligns with broader national goals to ensure strategic independence in critical technologies, from quantum encryption to advanced wireless communication systems.

As India steps up its efforts to become a global leader in quantum science and innovation, this Synergy Quantum and C-DOT collaboration underscores the country’s readiness to translate scientific progress into real-world, deployable, and scalable solutions for national security and sovereign digital infrastructure.