In a landmark move toward securing India’s digital future, QNu Labs has signed an MoU with BSNL to bring quantum-safe encryption services to customers across the nation. Speaking to Tech Achieve Media, Sunil Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of QNu Labs, shared that the collaboration aims to leverage BSNL’s extensive public infrastructure, serving the armed forces, public sector undertakings, enterprises, and banks, to deliver next-generation quantum security solutions. “This partnership is a true win-win,” Gupta emphasized, “as it empowers BSNL to monetize its network with value-added services while enabling us to safeguard India’s most widely deployed communication ecosystem with homegrown quantum technology.
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TAM: Could you tell us about the MoU signed between QNu Labs and BSNL?
Sunil Gupta: What we aim to achieve through this MoU is to leverage BSNL’s extensive infrastructure to deliver quantum security services to customers across India. As a public telecom operator, BSNL has built a robust and far-reaching network over the years, catering to the armed forces, public sector undertakings, enterprises, banks, and more.
Our objective is to introduce quantum-safe services over BSNL’s existing network. This collaboration represents a true win-win scenario, customers gain access to advanced quantum security solutions, BSNL can further monetize its infrastructure by offering premium, value-added services, and we, in turn, contribute to safeguarding India’s most widely deployed communication network.
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A large part of the credit goes to BSNL CMD PK Purwar and Dr. Robert Ravi, whose vision emphasizes that Indian technology should be used to secure India’s critical infrastructure. Dr. Ravi has been clear that while an MoU signifies intent, real success lies in its effective implementation. He has already set a target for us to begin onboarding customers within this quarter. This partnership stands as a testament to how India’s largest public telco is embracing homegrown startup technology to build a stronger, more secure, and digitally resilient India
TAM: With quantum encryption now reaching consumers through public infrastructure, what kind of impact do you see this MoU having on the telecom industry?
Sunil Gupta: This development is set to significantly impact the telecom industry. Many private players have been relatively slow in adopting quantum security, despite ongoing discussions over the past two to three years. With a major public telco like BSNL taking the lead, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for the entire telecom sector, encouraging other players to accelerate their adoption of the technology.
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I am genuinely optimistic about this progress as it demonstrates that early adoption and technological leadership need not be limited to the private sector. BSNL has set a strong precedent, marking what I believe to be the beginning of a new and transformative phase for India’s telecom industry.
TAM: There’s often a perception that quantum threats are still far off in the future. But this MoU seems to suggest otherwise. Could you elaborate on that?
Sunil Gupta: A few years ago, quantum computing was widely perceived as a distant reality. However, over the past two to three years, the field has advanced at an extraordinary pace. Companies such as Microsoft, Google, and PsiQuantum have announced significant breakthroughs, and some are even projecting that they will achieve a billion qubits within the next two years. What was once expected to materialize a decade from now is suddenly within sight.
Another major milestone was the release of quantum encryption standards by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on 24 August 2024. The establishment of standards effectively starts the clock, signaling that compliance timelines are on the horizon and that the time for adoption is now.
Globally, nations are taking proactive steps toward quantum readiness. I am proud to note that India now ranks among the top two or three countries that have demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of quantum and sovereign technologies.
In today’s digital era, sovereignty is no longer defined by nuclear codes but by encryption keys. When a nation develops its own technology to generate and securely store these keys, it truly takes control of its national security. The Indian government’s recognition of this principle is driving significant momentum across the ecosystem.
TAM: What does this MoU mean for BSNL customers specifically?
Sunil Gupta: For BSNL customers, this partnership represents a significant step forward. BSNL has long been recognized as a structured and trusted service provider with a strong support and maintenance ecosystem. By introducing quantum security as part of its service portfolio, BSNL ensures that customers can have complete confidence that the technology has been thoroughly validated, seamlessly integrated, and is fully supported.
This collaboration will enable BSNL’s diverse customer base, including banks, public sector undertakings, and enterprises, to secure their communication and data networks with quantum-safe solutions. Moreover, it is expected to stimulate healthy competition within the telecom sector. Most enterprises rely on multiple telecom providers for redundancy. Once one provider introduces quantum-safe communication, others will be compelled to follow suit, ultimately driving better pricing, improved service quality, and accelerated adoption of advanced security technologies across the industry.
TAM: Recently, we saw HDFC Bank make a significant investment in your company, and now the MoU with BSNL. Are there more exciting developments we can look forward to from QNu Labs?
Sunil Gupta: Yes, there are several major developments on the horizon. Firstly, Dhruva Space recently launched a satellite from the United States, carrying our quantum technology as part of its payload. This marks a significant milestone since an Indian innovation that has been miniaturized, space-tested, and deployed on a global platform. It represents a major step forward in taking Indian quantum technology to space.
Secondly, we are developing a quantum encryption solution for drones. We have been in active discussions with the armed forces to make this a standard requirement, ensuring that all drone communications are secured using our proprietary IP module.
Thirdly, we are advancing toward the implementation of large-scale quantum networks. Under the National Quantum Mission, we expect India’s first 500-kilometre quantum network to become operational by early November, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward global leadership in quantum communication.
TAM: Any final message you’d like to share before we close?
Sunil Gupta: One message I always emphasize is conviction. When we started, many people doubted whether India could develop its own quantum communication systems. However, our conviction, in our vision, our team, and in doing the right thing, made all the difference. For startups, conviction, courage, and perseverance are absolutely essential. There will always be voices saying, “You can’t do it.” But if you continue to believe in yourself and allow your work to speak for itself, you can ultimately become a role model for others.
It is deeply gratifying to see so many quantum startups emerging in India today. For the first five years, we were the only one, and now, there’s a thriving ecosystem. That, to me, represents India’s true quantum leap.
