India's first 5.56 km free-space Quantum Key Distribution link demonstrated in Gujarat
QNu Labs, BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar demonstrated India's first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link, spanning 5.56 km (announced 3 October 2026).
Summary
QNu Labs, with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, demonstrated India's first free-space QKD link at a scale of 5.56 km. The field trial on the night of 27-28 September created a secure quantum channel between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, with a Quantum Bit Error Rate below 5% and secure key generation at 230-260 bps. The keys were integrated with BISAG-N's post-quantum cryptography platform Vedic Kavach for end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages.
Key facts
- First
- India's first free-space QKD link at 5.56 km
- Partners
- QNu Labs, BISAG-N (under MeitY) and IIT Gandhinagar
- Link
- BISAG-N to IIT Gandhinagar
- Trial
- Night of 27-28 September
- Performance
- QBER below 5%; key rate 230-260 bps
- Platforms
- QNu Labs' Armos QKD device with BISAG-N's Vedic Kavach (post-quantum cryptography)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the length of India's first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link demonstrated in 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5.56 km
The first free-space QKD link was established between which two sites?
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Correct answer: C — BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar
In the trial, the quantum keys were integrated with BISAG-N's Vedic Kavach, which is described as a:
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Correct answer: A — software-based post-quantum cryptography platform