The Department of Science and Technology has announced expansion of the National Quantum Mission’s startup support programme and unveiled new quantum technologies at PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY 2026, an industry platform designed to accelerate quantum technology development and deployment in India. The mission, now in its third year of implementation, has already achieved a major milestone in quantum communication ahead of its eight-year schedule.
Key facts
- Nine new quantum startups announced at PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY 2026, raising total supported startups from 17 to 26
- 1,000-km quantum secure communication achieved in three years, against 2,000-km target set for eight-year mission
- Four thematic hubs at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi involve 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 States and two Union Territories
- 52 technologies at various development stages emerged from the four hubs
- Hybrid quantum communication link successfully demonstrated between Chennai and Bengaluru using existing BSNL fibre infrastructure over 17 secure nodes
- 10 new quantum technologies unveiled at the event
- 50 picosecond timing synchronisation released as open-source solution for research community
What the National Quantum Mission covers
Launched as a whole-of-government initiative, the National Quantum Mission coordinates work across four key areas: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. The mission brings together government bodies, scientific institutions, startups, industry partners and investors to develop indigenous quantum technologies rather than relying on imported solutions.
Progress on quantum communication
A significant achievement highlighted at the event is the demonstration of 1,000-km quantum secure communication in approximately three years. This represents half of the mission’s eight-year target completed in less than half the planned timeframe. The successful hybrid link between Chennai and Bengaluru demonstrates practical deployment potential using existing fibre infrastructure from state-run BSNL, suggesting quantum communication systems can integrate with current telecommunications networks.
Expanding startup ecosystem and support
The mission now financially supports 26 quantum startups, up from 17 previously. Government backing extends beyond funding to include infrastructure access, mentorship, technology validation, partnerships with established industry players and customer pathways. Nine startups were added at the PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY event, which functions as a dedicated platform bringing together startup founders, industry representatives, investors and potential end-users for partnerships and technology validation.
The Minister of State for Science and Technology emphasised that early engagement with industry is critical for quantum startup sustainability, as quantum technologies require substantial capital investment and long-term commitment. He called on State governments to evaluate and procure indigenous quantum technologies to help startups become self-sustaining ventures.
PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY platform and next phase
PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY serves as a dedicated ecosystem platform moving beyond technology showcases to facilitate concrete outcomes including technology validation, co-development agreements, procurement orders, investment rounds and strategic partnerships. The platform brings together startups, industry manufacturers, strategic users and investors for structured business interactions.
India’s quantum ambitions
Officials stated that India has the scientific talent, technological capability and industrial capacity to become globally competitive in quantum communication and sensing, and self-reliant in quantum computing. The mission’s focus is preventing India from remaining dependent on quantum technologies developed elsewhere, by building domestic capabilities across the entire value chain from fundamental research to commercial products.
Around 52 technologies at various readiness levels have emerged from the four research hubs, providing a foundation for future commercial development and deployment.
What this means for you
If you are an entrepreneur in quantum technology, the expanded startup support programme offers funding, infrastructure and mentorship pathways. If you work in telecommunications, defence, finance or strategic sectors requiring secure communications, quantum-enabled solutions developed under this mission may eventually become available domestically rather than through overseas suppliers. Students and researchers in quantum physics, computing and engineering now have clearer career pathways through the mission’s funded institutions and supported startups. State governments and public sector organisations may gain access to indigenous quantum technologies through procurement initiatives.
What happens next
The mission will focus on testing, validation, integration, investment and deployment of indigenous technologies in its next phase. PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY will continue facilitating partnerships and business outcomes between startups and established industry players, with emphasis on moving promising technologies toward commercial adoption and market readiness.