National Quantum Mission demonstrates 1,000-km quantum communication network
A 1,000-km quantum communication network built with QNu Labs' indigenous technology has been demonstrated under the National Quantum Mission, against a target of 2,000 km over eight years, Dr Jitendra Singh was told on 8 April 2026.
Summary
A 1,000-km quantum communication network, among the longest in the world, has been demonstrated under the National Quantum Mission, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh was told at a DST review on 8 April 2026. The mission's target is 2,000 km over eight years. The quantum key distribution (QKD) network uses indigenous technology from QNu Labs, a startup supported under the mission, and is designed to work across difficult terrain, including underwater and underground. Support under the mission has been extended to nine more startups, taking the total to 17, in areas such as quantum biosensors, photon sensing, quantum positioning and atomic memory. The review also noted that the Technology Development Board had received over 100 proposals and BIRAC nearly 200 applications under the Research, Development and Innovation funding framework.
Key facts
- Milestone
- 1,000-km quantum communication (QKD) network
- Mission target
- 2,000 km over eight years
- Technology
- Indigenous, by QNu Labs
- Startups
- 9 added; 17 in total
- RDI funding
- TDB 100+ proposals; BIRAC ~200 applications
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which startup's indigenous technology was used for the 1,000-km quantum communication network demonstrated under the National Quantum Mission?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — QNu Labs
DST said the milestone was achieved using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs, a startup supported under the mission.
What is the National Quantum Mission's target for quantum communication network length over an eight-year period?
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Correct answer: D — 2,000 km
DST said the 1,000-km demonstration marks progress against the mission's target of 2,000 km over eight years.