QNu Labs demos 5.56-km open-air quantum key link
By Abha Lohia ·
- QNu Labs is a Bengaluru deep-tech company that makes quantum-based encryption products for governments and enterprises
- It sent quantum keys across 5.56 km through open air, working with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, without any fibre cable
- The approach could later support secure links where laying fibre is hard, including satellite communication
What happened
- QNu Labs showed its first free-space quantum key link.
- The link spans 5.56 km between two sites.
- A pointing and tracking system keeps the laser aligned.
- Its Armos hardware runs alongside BISAG-N's software layer.
- The work was done with IIT Gandhinagar.
Why it matters
- Many places cannot get dedicated fibre.
- Open-air links point towards satellite-based secure communication.
- A software backup layer protects data if the quantum channel drops.
The business
- QNu Labs builds quantum-safe cybersecurity products.
- Its Armos system distributes encryption keys using quantum physics.
- Any attempt to intercept the signal disturbs it and can be detected.
The founders
In numbers
5.56 kmLink distance · 2026
What happens next
- Extend the approach towards satellite-based links.
Words to know
- Quantum key distribution
- A way to share encryption keys using quantum physics so eavesdropping can be detected.
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