Amaravati Quantum Valley gets quantum-secure test bed, Naidu announces on World Telecom Day
Synopsis
Just weeks after launching Quantum Computing Reference Facilities, Andhra Pradesh has unveiled plans for India's first Quantum-Secure Communications Test Bed at Amaravati — a three-way partnership between SRM University-AP, C-DOT, and the Department of Telecommunications. Chief Minister Naidu is building a full-stack quantum ecosystem, not just a showpiece facility.
Key Takeaways
Andhra Pradesh CM N.
Chandrababu Naidu announced a Quantum-Secure Communications Test Bed for Amaravati Quantum Valley on 17 May 2025 .
The facility is a partnership between SRM University-AP , C-DOT , and the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India .
It will support research in quantum communication hardware , photonic systems, encryption, secure networks, and cyber defence.
The announcement follows the launch of Quantum Computing Reference Facilities on 14 April — the second major quantum milestone in under a month.
Naidu highlighted opportunities for students, researchers, and startups from Andhra Pradesh to engage with the initiative.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, 17 May announced that Amaravati Quantum Valley is set to host a first-of-its-kind Quantum-Secure Communications Test Bed, marking a significant expansion of the state's push to become a global hub for deep-tech and frontier technologies.
What the New Facility Will Do
The test bed will be established through a three-way partnership between SRM University-AP, Amaravati, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative. The facility is designed to support research and testing of quantum communication hardware, photonic and optical systems, encryption technologies, secure network infrastructure, and next-generation cyber defence solutions.
Naidu's Statement on World Telecom Day
Naidu shared the announcement on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, observed annually on 17 May to mark the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1865. In his post on X, Naidu said: 'Today is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. It reminds us that secure communications, trusted digital infrastructure, and cyber resilience are critical to the future of nations.'
He added that the initiative 'reinforces our commitment to Make in India technologies, secure digital infrastructure, and positioning Amaravati as a leading hub for frontier technologies, advanced manufacturing, and deep-tech innovation.'
Building on April's Quantum Computing Launch
The announcement follows the launch of Quantum Computing Reference Facilities at Amaravati Quantum Valley on 14 April, making this the second major quantum infrastructure milestone for the initiative within a month. Taken together, the two moves signal a concerted state-level effort to build an end-to-end quantum ecosystem — from computing infrastructure to secure communications.
Opportunities for Students and Startups
Naidu emphasised that the test bed is not solely an institutional or defence-oriented project. 'Most importantly, it creates new opportunities for students, researchers, startups, and young innovators from Andhra Pradesh to participate in building the technologies that will shape the future of the world,' he said. The facility is expected to draw researchers, faculty, and innovators from across the state into quantum-focused programmes.
What Comes Next
With two major quantum infrastructure announcements in quick succession, Amaravati Quantum Valley is positioning itself as a serious contender in India's emerging deep-tech geography. The test bed's operationalisation timeline has not yet been specified, but the Centre's involvement through C-DOT and the Department of Telecommunications lends the project both funding credibility and national strategic weight. Industry observers will watch whether the facility catalyses private-sector and startup activity in the quantum communications space.
Point of View
Not coincidence — Naidu is trying to establish Amaravati as India's quantum capital before rival tech cities consolidate that identity. The C-DOT and Department of Telecommunications partnership is the critical differentiator: it gives the project national security relevance and insulates it from state-level budget volatility. The real question is execution speed. India's deep-tech ambitions have repeatedly stalled at the gap between MoU and operational facility. Whether Amaravati Quantum Valley becomes a functioning research cluster or a well-branded press release depends on whether the test bed is operational and attracting serious researchers within the next 18 months.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quantum-Secure Communications Test Bed announced for Amaravati?
It is India's first quantum-secure communications test bed, to be established at Amaravati Quantum Valley through a partnership between SRM University-AP, C-DOT, and the Department of Telecommunications. The facility will support research in quantum communication hardware, photonic systems, encryption, and cyber defence solutions.
Who are the partners behind the Amaravati quantum communications facility?
The three core partners are SRM University-AP based in Amaravati, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and the Department of Telecommunications under the Government of India, all operating under the Amaravati Quantum Valley framework.
What was launched at Amaravati Quantum Valley on 14 April?
Quantum Computing Reference Facilities were launched at Amaravati Quantum Valley on 14 April. The quantum-secure communications test bed announced on 17 May is the second major infrastructure milestone for the initiative within a month.
Why did Naidu make this announcement on 17 May?
17 May is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, observed globally to mark the founding of the International Telecommunication Union in 1865. Naidu used the occasion to highlight Andhra Pradesh's commitment to secure digital infrastructure and quantum technology.
How will the test bed benefit students and startups in Andhra Pradesh?
According to Naidu, the facility will create opportunities for students, researchers, startups, and young innovators from Andhra Pradesh to engage directly in building quantum communication and cyber defence technologies, integrating the initiative with the state's broader innovation and education ecosystem.
