Startup Originals Team
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.
