The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has recently issued a call for proposals under the title “Quantum Standardization and Testing Labs.” This initiative invites submissions from Indian academic institutions and R&D institutions, individually or in consortiums, to foster innovation and development in quantum technologies. The establishment of these labs aims to ensure the interoperability, reliability, and security of quantum communication systems, positioning them as pivotal innovation hubs within the country.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Jai Anushandhan’ (translating to ‘hail research’), this project underscores a commitment to enhance the daily lives of Indian citizens through advanced telecom technologies. The overarching goal is to make India self-sufficient in quantum technologies and establish global benchmarks in this rapidly evolving field. The proposed labs will focus on setting standards and protocols for integrating quantum communication elements like quantum key distribution and quantum state analyzers into new and existing networks.
Moreover, these facilities are set to offer comprehensive testing services to validate and certify quantum technologies developed within India. This includes everything from single photon detectors to quantum communication modules, ensuring their performance meets both national and international standards. The initiative promises to make cutting-edge quantum technologies accessible to startups and established industry players at a nominal fee, democratizing advanced resources and fostering a broad spectrum of applications across sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance.
The proposed technologies for testing in the Quantum Communication Domain include a range of cutting-edge devices and systems. This includes single photon and entangled photon sources, crucial for quantum communication experiments. Single photon detectors, such as superconducting nanowire SPDs and avalanche photodiodes, are also highlighted for their critical role in detecting individual quantum states. Additionally, the list covers quantum memories and repeaters, which are essential for extending the range of quantum communications.
Quantum communication modules like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), quantum teleportation, and free-space quantum communications are targeted for their potential to revolutionize secure communication methods. Moreover, the infrastructure will include trusted and untrusted nodes to facilitate various quantum networking scenarios, along with any other relevant technologies pertinent to the domain of quantum communications. Proposals are invited until the 5th of August 2024. For detailed submission guidelines and further information, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the DoT’s official website or the TTDF program office online.
