IIT-M signs ₹1-cr quantum tech deal

chennai: the indian institute of technology madras (iit madras) has signed a ₹1-crore licensing agreement with indrarka quantum technologies pvt. ltd. for commercializing india's first silicon photonics-based high-speed quantum random number generator (qrng).the technology, developed indigenously at iit madras' centre for programmable photonic integrated circuits and systems (cppics), is a critical component for secure computing and communication. the agreement was signed at iit madras in the presence of institute director prof. v kamakoti.earlier, a prototype of the qrng module was delivered to drdo's dysl-qt division. the advanced version has already been deployed at the society for electronic transactions and security (sets), chennai, for quantum security applications.highlighting the significance of the development, prof. kamakoti said, “silicon photonics is an emerging area with strong interface with quantum technologies. random number generation is a critical building block for secure systems.”the qrng technology has applications in defence it security, cryptography, quantum key distribution, financial transactions, blockchain, and scientific modelling.indrarka quantum technologies said the collaboration will help position india as a global leader in quantum security solutions and strengthen the make in india initiative.officials from the ministry of electronics and information technology (meity), sets chennai, and industry partners witnessed the agreement signing.the innovation underscores iit madras' focus on translating cutting-edge research into market-ready products and advancing india's quantum technology ecosystem.