Pune: Eight start-ups in quantum technologies selected for support from DST’s National Missions
Pune, 27th November 2024: Eight start-ups have been selected to be supported under DST’s National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. The formal announcement of the selected start-ups was made by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, at a function held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on November 26, 2024.
The event was attended by distinguished science and technology leaders, including Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member (S&T), NITI Aayog; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman, Mission Governing Board (MGB), National Quantum Mission; and Dr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Mission Governing Board (MGB), National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, and Prof. Sunil Bhagwat, Director, IISER Pune. A number of representatives from the government, experts in Quantum Technologies, Directors of DST autonomous institutions, start-up founders, and members of the angel investor community were in the audience.
The start-ups were selected through a competitive process resulting from a call for proposals launched in August 2024 by the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) hosted by IISER Pune under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems to onboard start-ups focused on developing quantum technologies.
The start-ups elected include the Bengaluru-based QuNu Labs Private Limited, which aims to develop an End-to-End Quantum Safe Heterogeneous Network, and QpiAI India Pvt Ltd. which plans to develop a Full-stack Quantum Computer using Superconducting Qubits. Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd. a start-up from IIT Bombay is focusing on the indigenous development of cryogenic radiofrequency cables for quantum computing and other applications. PrenishQ Pvt. Ltd. is a start-up incubated at IIT Delhi proposes to develop and commercially deploy high-precision diode laser systems for quantum technology applications. QuPrayog Pvt. Ltd., a start-up from IISER Pune plans to develop Titanium Sapphire Lasers for Quantum Technologies and Optical Frequency Combs for ultraprecise measurements. Ahmedabad-based Pristine Diamonds Private Limited is innovating advanced diamond materials with nitrogen-vacancy centres for quantum sensing applications. Delhi-based Quanastra Pvt. Ltd. is creating customizable cryogenics and advanced superconducting detectors, and Quan2D Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a start-up incubated at the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, aims to develop indigenous cost-effective single photon detectors.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled the logos of all the selected start-ups followed by which Prof. Sunil Nair, faculty member at the Physics department of IISER Pune and Project Director of I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation hosted by IISER Pune, introduced the selected start-ups, and outlined their projected deliverables.
In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize multiple aspects of our lives by harnessing the unique principles of quantum science, and has critical implications for national security. He also spoke about the potential of Quantum Technologies to influence diverse areas, from cybersecurity to personal and business communications, and from medical diagnostics to energy-efficient power grids.
The Minister remarked that this announcement aligns with India’s broader vision for technological self-reliance by 2047, and that the selected start-ups are not just participants in a technological mission but torchbearers of India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in quantum science and technology.
