Startup QNu Labs, supported under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), successfully demonstrated India's first extensive QKD network, spanning over 500 kilometers.

• It involved a network deployed over existing optical fiber infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in quantum-secure communication.
• This demonstration was made under a project funded through the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS). 

What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?  

• QKD leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure secure distribution of the encryption keys, used for data communication.
  • Quantum mechanics is the field of physics that explains how extremely small objects simultaneously have the characteristics of both particles (tiny pieces of matter) and waves (a disturbance or variation that transfers energy).
• QKD is an example of quantum cryptography (also known as quantum encryption). 
• QKD can be deployed through different mediums: optical fiber,  free space, and through  satellites
• Benefits: 
  • Capable of detecting and mitigatingeavesdropping attacks (sniffing or snooping attack)
  • Suitable for Critical Infrastructure (defence, government communications, healthcare, financial services, data centres, and telecommunication networks), etc.