On August 18, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) marked a historic achievement by signing a Rs 1 crore licensing deal to transfer India’s first silicon photonics-based Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) to Indrarka Quantum Technologies Pvt Ltd. Developed at the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (CPPICS), this groundbreaking technology promises to revolutionize secure computing, cryptography, and quantum communication, positioning India as a global leader in quantum innovation.
- Key Points:
- Rs 1 crore deal signed with Indrarka Quantum Technologies for commercial deployment.
- Developed at IIT Madras’s CPPICS, a hub for cutting-edge photonic research.
- Enhances India’s quantum technology ecosystem with field-deployable solutions.
The Technology: Silicon Photonics-Based QRNG
The QRNG leverages silicon photonics to generate truly random numbers, a critical component for secure encryption and communication. Unlike traditional random number generators, this quantum-based solution ensures unpredictability, making it ideal for high-stakes applications. Prototypes have already been delivered to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and deployed at the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS) in Chennai for quantum security applications.
- Key Points:
- Utilizes silicon photonics for high-speed, secure random number generation.
- Prototypes tested with DRDO and SETS Chennai for quantum security.
- Marks India’s first silicon photonics-based product for commercial use.
Applications Across Critical Sectors
The QRNG’s ability to generate truly random numbers has far-reaching implications across multiple industries. From military IT security to financial transactions, its applications include cryptographic algorithms, quantum key distribution (QKD), blockchain systems, scientific modeling, OTP generation, and even gaming. This technology addresses a fundamental need for robust encryption in an increasingly digital world.
- Key Points:
- Supports defense, finance, blockchain, and gaming applications.
- Enhances security for cryptographic algorithms and quantum key distribution.
- Enables secure one-time password (OTP) generation and scientific simulations.
Industry and Government Collaboration
The licensing agreement, formalized through IIT Madras’s Technology Transfer Office, reflects strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The signing ceremony, attended by officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and SETS Chennai, underscores the national significance of this development. MeitY Secretary S Krishnan hailed the QRNG as “a pride for India,” while Indrarka Quantum Technologies’ Executive Director Dinanath Soni emphasized its alignment with the Make in India initiative.
- Key Points:
- Agreement signed with Indrarka Quantum Technologies on August 18, 2025.
- Supported by MeitY and industry partners like Izmo Microsystems.
- Aligns with India’s vision for technological self-reliance.
Voices of Leadership
The project’s success is a testament to IIT Madras’s commitment to translating research into market-ready solutions. Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, highlighted the role of silicon photonics in quantum technologies, stating, “Random number generation is a critical building block for secure computing and communication.” Professor Bijoy Krishna Das, Chief Investigator at CPPICS, called the QRNG a “remarkable milestone” in India’s research journey, crediting faculty, scholars, and industry partners.
- Key Points:
- Professor V Kamakoti emphasizes QRNG’s market readiness.
- Professor Bijoy Krishna Das credits collaborative efforts for the milestone.
- Professor Manu Santhanam underscores the role of industry partnerships.
A Step Toward Global Leadership
The QRNG’s development and licensing mark a significant leap in India’s quantum technology landscape. With the global silicon photonics market projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2030, India’s indigenous innovation positions it as a key player. The collaboration with Izmo Microsystems for packaging and Silterra Malaysia for chip fabrication highlights the ecosystem’s strength, paving the way for future advancements in microwave and quantum photonics.
- Key Points:
- Positions India in the global silicon photonics market, projected at USD 10 billion by 2030.
- Supported by international and domestic partners like Silterra Malaysia and Izmo Microsystems.
- Sets the stage for future photonic innovations in India.
