On December 10, 2025, Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology(MoS&T), virtually inaugurated Indian Institute of Technology -Madras (IIT-M), Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Samgnya Technologies Foundation, India’s National Hub for Quantum communication, at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
- This foundation has been established under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), an initiative by the Government of India (GoI).
Exam Hints:
- What? Inauguration of IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation
- Who? Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST
- Where? At IIT Madras in Chennai (TN)
- Under: National Quantum Mission (FY24–FY31)
- Role: India’s National Hub for Quantum Communication
- Other NQM Hubs: IISc Bengaluru (Computing), IIT Bombay (Sensing & Metrology), IIT Delhi (Materials & Devices)
About National Hub for Quantum communication:
Collaboration: The IITM C‑DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation will lead India’s work in quantum-secure communication by working with universities, industry, and global partners.
Focus: It will focus on Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Security; Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Networks; Quantum Memory and Repeaters; and Satellite-based Quantum Communication.
Significance: This initiative marks India’s first dedicated national-level hub focused on quantum communication technologies under NQM. It is one of the four thematic hubs established under NQM. The other three thematic hubs include
- Quantum Computing Hub at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka)
- Quantum Sensing & Metrology Hub at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
- Quantum Materials & Devices Hub at IIT Delhi, New Delhi (Delhi).
Key Activities:
Research and Development: The hub will develop indigenous quantum-communication hardware, build QKD systems compatible with telecom networks, and create satellite-based quantum-communication prototypes.
Pilot Projects: The hub will set up fibre-based quantum-communication testbeds, conduct satellite-to-ground QKD experiments, and deploy secure communication solutions for government and industry.
Commercialisation Focus: The hub will support deep-tech startups, work with C-DOT, telecom operators, and defence organisations, and engage investors to speed up commercialisation and deployment of quantum technologies.
Skill Development: It will train engineers, researchers, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars by offering specialized quantum-technology courses and organizing national workshops and research programmes.
About National Quantum Mission:
Launch: NQM was approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023, with a total budget of Rs.6,003.65 crores for the period of 8 years from Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) to FY31.
Quantum Innovation: NQM aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial research & development in quantum technology and to build a strong national ecosystem for quantum innovation.
Quantum Communication: It is a way of sending information using the principles of quantum mechanics, the physics of very tiny particles such as photons. It uses quantum states such as entanglement and superposition of particles to secure data transmission.
About Tamil Nadu (TN):
Chief Minister (CM) – Muthuvel Karunanidhi(M.K.) Stalin
Governor – R.N. Ravi
Capital – Chennai
Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) – Point Calimere WLS, Indira Gandhi WLS
