On May 27, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi. The QTRC aims to strengthen indigenous quantum capabilities for strategic and defence applications, aligning with the National Quantum Mission. The facility is equipped with advanced experimental setups for research and development in quantum sensing, secure communications, and post-quantum cryptography. Key areas of focus include the development of Quantum Key Distribution techniques, Ultra-Small Atomic Clocks, Atomic Magnetometers, and solid-state quantum devices. Spearheaded by the Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) and the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), DRDO's QTRC will foster indigenous innovation and develop sovereign quantum technologies for India's strategic future.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Defence: The government ministry overseeing defence matters.
DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation, the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, India.
Quantum Technology Research Centre: A research center inaugurated by DRDO to advance quantum technology.
27 MAY 2025: Date of the press release and the inauguration of the Quantum Technology Research Centre.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi.
Metcalfe House, Delhi: Location of the Quantum Technology Research Centre.
Secretary, Department of Defence RD: Position held by a government official within the Department of Defence.
Dr Samir V Kamat: Chairman of DRDO.
QTRC: Acronym for Quantum Technology Research Centre.
VerticalCavity SurfaceEmitting Lasers: A type of laser that the QTRC will characterize.
Distributed Feedback Lasers: A type of laser that the QTRC will characterize.
Micro Fabricated Alkali Vapor Cell: A component used in atomic clocks and magnetometers that the QTRC will characterize.
Quantum Key Distribution: A technique for secure communication being developed and validated at QTRC.
Scientific Analysis Group SAG: A DRDO group involved in Quantum Key Distribution techniques.
Solid State Physics Laboratory SSPL: A DRDO laboratory leading the QTRC and focusing on foundational technologies.
UltraSmall Atomic Clock: A technology being developed at QTRC for precise timekeeping.
Coherent Population Trapping: The method used by the UltraSmall Atomic Clock for precise timekeeping.
Global Navigation Satellite System: An environment in which the UltraSmall Atomic Clock is intended to function accurately.
Atomic Magnetometer: A device being developed at QTRC for ultrasensitive magnetic field detection.
National Quantum Mission: A national initiative in which DRDO is a key stakeholder.
Director General Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems Cyber Systems: A position held by Smt Suma Varughese
Smt Suma Varughese: Director General whose vision was instrumental in conceptualizing the Quantum Technology Research Centre.
DG Resource Management Dr Manu Korulla: A dignitary who attended the inauguration of the Quantum Technology Research Centre.
SRSavvy Release ID: 2131757: Release ID of the press release.
India: The country where DRDO is leading quantum initiatives.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO inaugurates Quantum Technology Research
Centre to further bolster indigenous quantum
capabilities for strategic & defence applications
Posted On: 27 MAY 2025 7:50PM by PIB Delhi
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research
Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi on May 27, 2025. The facility was inaugurated by Secretary,
Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat with the aim to further strengthen
indigenous quantum capabilities for strategic and defence applications.
QRTC is equipped with state-of-the-art experimental set-ups designed to propel research and development in
critical quantum domains. The key capabilities of this centre include Characterisation of Vertical-Cavity
Surface-Emitting Lasers and Distributed Feedback Lasers; Test-beds for evaluating single-photon sources;
Set-up for characterisation of Micro Fabricated Alkali Vapor Cell; and Experimental platforms for developing
and validating Quantum Key Distribution techniques to enable ultra-secure communication and safeguard
national security in the post-quantum era, spearheaded by Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), DRDO.
Spearheaded by Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), QTRC also focuses on foundational technologies
including an Ultra-Small Atomic Clock based on Coherent Population Trapping for highly precise
timekeeping in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments, an Atomic Magnetometer using
optically pumped magnetometry for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection, and Cutting-edge solid-state
quantum devices and materials.
DRDO continues to lead India's quantum initiatives across verticals such as quantum sensing, secure
communications, and post-quantum cryptography. As a key stakeholder in the National Quantum Mission,
DRDO is committed to fostering indigenous innovation and developing sovereign quantum technologies to
secure India’s strategic future.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Director General (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational
Systems & Cyber Systems) Smt Suma Varughese whose vision and leadership were instrumental in
conceptualising this cutting-edge facility. DG (Resource & Management) Dr Manu Korulla and Directors of
SSPL and SAG, senior scientists, and other dignitaries attended the function.
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SR/Savvy
(Release ID: 2131757)