Did IIT Madras Secure a 1 Cr Deal for India's First Silicon Photonics-Based QRNG?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- IIT Madras has licensed India's first silicon photonics-based QRNG.
- The collaboration with Indrarka Quantum Technologies aims for commercial deployment.
- The QRNG technology is crucial for secure computing and communication.
- This agreement represents a shift from research to market-ready solutions.
- It reinforces India's leadership in global quantum technology.
New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has officially entered into an agreement to license India’s pioneering silicon photonics-based high-speed Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG). This groundbreaking deal, established with Indrarka Quantum Technologies, focuses on the commercial rollout of the Silicon Photonic QRNG.
Created at the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (CPPICS) at IIT Madras, this achievement underscores the technology's strategic importance and its capacity to enhance India’s quantum innovation ecosystem.
“Silicon photonics is an emerging domain that intersects significantly with Quantum Technologies. Random number generation is crucial for secure computing and communication. I am thrilled that the CPPICS has developed this QRNG, which can be swiftly introduced into the market,” remarked Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras.
This licensing agreement marks a significant advancement in converting state-of-the-art academic research into commercially viable products, solidifying India’s position as a leader in the global quantum technology sector.
Previously, a prototype of the QRNG module was provided to DYSL-QT DRDO. Following this, an upgraded version of the QRNG module was successfully implemented at the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS Chennai) for quantum security applications.
The innovative QRNG technology is vital in various fields, including IT security for military and defense, cryptographic algorithms, quantum key distribution (QKD), scientific modeling and simulations, financial transactions, blockchain, OTP generation, and gaming applications.
“We are privileged to collaborate with IIT Madras in launching India’s first Silicon Photonics-based QRNG into the marketplace. This revolutionary technology signifies a substantial advancement in quantum security solutions and embodies the spirit of the Make in India initiative,” stated Dinanath Soni, Director of Indrarka Quantum Technologies.
“Our goal is to make this indigenous innovation accessible across crucial sectors, positioning India as a global frontrunner in quantum security and furthering our nation’s vision of technological self-reliance,” Soni continued.