India has announced two major indigenous breakthroughs in quantum technology, highlighting the nation’s progress under the National Quantum Mission. At the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), two Bengaluru-based startups, backed by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, unveiled their achievements.
The first is the Kaveri 64, a 64-qubit quantum processor, which utilizes quantum physics to accelerate complex problem-solving in fields like drug discovery and climate modelling far faster than traditional supercomputers. The second is the successful development and testing of India’s first large-scale Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network over 500km, which was successfully tested with the Indian Army. QKD enables unhackable encryption key exchange, vital for securing sensitive digital communication.
Separately, the P-Quest Group at IIT Bombay unveiled India’s first Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM), capable of real-time 3D magnetic imaging. This QDM is expected to revolutionize diagnostics in neuroscience and semiconductor quality control. These milestones position India as a key player in the global race for quantum supremacy.
