The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) on 27 May 2025 at Metcalfe House, Delhi, to advance India’s capabilities in quantum technologies for strategic and defence applications.

Inaugurated by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, the centre is equipped with cutting-edge experimental setups to drive R&D in key quantum domains. Facilities include systems for characterising Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) and Distributed Feedback Lasers, test-beds for single-photon sources, and platforms for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)—enabling ultra-secure communication in the post-quantum landscape.

Led by DRDO’s Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) and Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), the centre is also focused on foundational technologies such as:

• Ultra-Small Atomic Clocks for precision timing in GNSS-denied zones
• Atomic Magnetometers for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection
• Advanced solid-state quantum devices and material

QTRC represents DRDO’s continued leadership in quantum sensing, secure communication, and post-quantum cryptography. As a major contributor to the National Quantum Mission, DRDO is committed to developing sovereign quantum solutions vital to India’s strategic autonomy.

The inauguration was attended by Smt Suma Varughese, DG (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems), whose leadership was central to the facility’s creation, along with Dr Manu Korulla, DG (Resource & Management), and senior scientists from SSPL and SAG.