IIT Madras Pioneers India’s First Silicon Photonics Quantum Random Number Generator

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has achieved a major milestone in quantum security by developing and licensing India’s first silicon photonics-based high-speed Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG). This breakthrough strengthens India’s position in secure computing and demonstrates a successful blend of cutting-edge research and industry collaboration.

Technology Overview & Significance:

Developed at the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (CPPICS), IIT Madras, the QRNG leverages the power of silicon photonics-an advanced technology closely linked with quantum computing and communications.

• Quantum Random Number Generation: Ensures truly unpredictable and secure random numbers, which are vital for cryptography, secure transactions, and confidential communications.
• Silicon Photonics Advantage: Allows for scalable, high-speed, and cost-effective deployment, making quantum-grade security solutions more accessible both for defence and commercial sectors.

Licensing & Commercial Rollout:

IIT Madras has signed a ₹1 crore licensing agreement with Indrarka Quantum Technologies Pvt Ltd to bring the QRNG to market. The product is a crucial step towards indigenous quantum technology solutions as part of the Make in India mission.

• Prototype Deployment: Earlier versions of the QRNG have already been delivered to the Young Scientist Laboratory – Quantum Technologies under DRDO.
• Advanced Deployment: The enhanced QRNG module has been installed at the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS Chennai) for advanced quantum security operations.

Industry and Government Endorsements:

The accomplishment has drawn praise from both government and industry leaders:

• V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras: “Silicon photonics is an emerging area with strong interface with quantum technologies. Random number generation is a critical building block for secure computing and communication.”
• S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY: “Indigenously developed, field-deployable silicon photonic-based quantum random number generator module is a pride for India.”
• Dinanath Soni, Director, Indrarka Quantum Technologies: “This technology marks a significant leap for quantum security solutions and highlights Make in India success.”
• Manu Santhanam, Dean (IC&SR), IIT Madras: Emphasized how focused R&D and strong industry partnerships can deliver nationally important technologies.

Impact and Future Prospects:

The development of the QRNG positions India at the forefront of quantum innovation, enabling stronger cybersecurity, trusted computing, and next-generation financial transaction security. With industry partners and national laboratories already using the technology, IIT Madras’s achievement is expected to catalyze further advances in the country’s quantum tech ecosystem.

Conclusion:

IIT Madras’s indigenously developed, silicon photonics-based QRNG is a landmark achievement for India’s tech sector, reinforcing the country’s drive for secure, scalable quantum solutions and celebrating the power of industry–academic collaboration.