Pune | Oct 9, 2025, 12:00 IST —
Filed on 09-Oct-2025, 11:30 IST via Company PR
Sterlite Technologies Ltd (STL), India’s leading digital and optical networking solutions provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QuNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based quantum technology pioneer, to design and deploy quantum-safe networks across India. The partnership seeks to safeguard India’s digital backbone as quantum computing edges closer to commercial reality.
Partnership Details
Under the agreement, STL will contribute its deep expertise in optical fibre, access solutions, and system integration, while QuNu Labs will provide its quantum cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies.
The collaboration will focus on:
- Developing pilot quantum-safe networks for high-security applications.
- Building commercial-scale solutions for telecom operators, data centres, and government agencies.
- Introducing QKD-ready optical transport products in STL’s portfolio.
- Expanding research on quantum cryptography standards relevant to India.
Why Quantum-Safe Matters Now
The next decade is widely seen as the quantum decade. Advances in quantum computing could make conventional encryption algorithms, such as RSA and ECC, vulnerable to brute-force decryption. This presents a risk to sectors like:
- Defence & Aerospace — classified communications.
- Banking & Finance (BFSI) — payment and transaction security.
- Critical Infrastructure — power grids, transport systems, healthcare data.
By embedding QKD and post-quantum cryptography, networks can be made resilient to future quantum attacks. STL and QuNu Labs’ initiative positions India among the global frontrunners building quantum-resilient communication frameworks.
Significance for India
- National Security: Protects sensitive communications as India scales its digital defence infrastructure.
- Digital India Vision: Complements government programs like Digital India, 5G rollout, and National Quantum Mission.
- Indigenous Innovation: Leverages STL’s global scale and QuNu Labs’ homegrown quantum IP, ensuring reduced reliance on foreign technologies.
- Early-Mover Advantage: India joins global peers such as the EU, China, and the US in piloting quantum-safe projects.
Company Profiles
Sterlite Technologies Ltd (STL):
Headquartered in Pune, STL is a global provider of end-to-end digital network solutions with operations in over 150 countries. Its offerings span optical fibre, wireless solutions, network design, and system integration. The company is listed on the NSE (ticker: STLTECH).
QuNu Labs:
Founded in 2018, QuNu Labs is India’s first and only quantum security startup. It specializes in Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) and QKD systems, already deployed in pilot projects with defence and financial institutions.
Industry Context
Global telecom and infra providers are accelerating quantum-safe transitions. For example:
- BT and Toshiba have piloted QKD links in the UK.
- China has already tested a 2,000 km quantum network.
- The European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) is under way.
India’s quantum ambitions are supported by a ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission, aiming to foster research and adoption in the next 8 years. STL–QuNu’s partnership aligns directly with this roadmap.
Market & Investor Reaction
While the MoU does not immediately translate into revenue, analysts believe:
- STL could gain early positioning in high-value government contracts.
- QuNu Labs, though private, may attract stronger venture and defence-linked funding.
- Cybersecurity-focused funds are increasingly monitoring such partnerships for long-term plays.
Outlook
In the next 12–18 months:
- Initial pilots are expected with defence and BFSI clients.
- Commercialization may begin by FY27, as regulators push for post-quantum standards.
- Demand for secure digital infrastructure will grow as India integrates AI, IoT, and 5G into mission-critical systems.
