DRDO Inaugurates Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in Delhi to Boost India’s Quantum Capabilities.
National
In May 2025, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), both based in New Delhi (Delhi), inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, New Delhi (Delhi). This centre aims to enhance India's indigenous quantum capabilities for strategic and defence applications.
- QTRC is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced experimental setups designed to support research and development in critical quantum domains such as quantum communication, sensing, and timekeeping.
- The centre, led by the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), aligns with India's National Quantum Mission (NQM), which seeks to develop sovereign capabilities in quantum technologies and reduce reliance on foreign systems.
- Envisioned as a Thematic Hub (T-Hub) under the NQM, the facility promotes collaboration among academia, industry, and government for advancing quantum innovation in India.
Main Point :- (i) The Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) features advanced laser characterization capabilities, including Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) and Distributed Feedback Lasers, alongside quantum communication testbeds. These testbeds support single-photon source testing and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) platforms for ultra-secure communication, led by DRDO’s Scientific Analysis Group (SAG).
(ii) QTRC also focuses on precision timekeeping with the development of an Ultra-Small Atomic Clock (USAC) based on Coherent Population Trapping (CPT), designed for accurate timekeeping even in GPS-denied environments. Additionally, the centre uses Atomic Magnetometers (AM) employing optically pumped magnetometry for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection.
(iii) The facility advances research on solid-state quantum materials and devices aimed at quantum sensing, post-quantum cryptography, and building quantum-resilient systems, contributing to India’s strategic quantum technology goals.
About DRDO
Chairman: Sameer V. Kamat
Headquarters: New Delhi
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