Pramatra Space has validated a photonics chip that generates encryption keys using quantum entanglement, and the Bengaluru startup plans to put it in orbit by 2027.
That chip—integrated into two systems, one for data centers and one for space—produces entangled photon pairs. Those pairs become the raw material for satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD). The data center product should ship in three months; the space version by year-end.
Why Q Day Demands a Satellite Approach
The industry calls the day quantum computers break RSA and ECC "Q Day." A Capgemini report says six in ten early adopters of quantum-safe tech expect Q Day within five to ten years. Pramatra's answer: low-Earth orbit satellites beam quantum keys down to optical ground stations, which then feed secure keys into data centers and critical infrastructure.
Founder Richa Hukumchand—former scientist with DRDO and CIO at spacetech Pixxel—saw the gap firsthand. "When I was at Pixxel, I was handling sensitive imaging data captured around the world. I realised there was no next-gen security layer for such sensitive payloads," she says. In late 2022, she co-founded Pramatra with Vinay Hukumchand.
Photonics Over Bulky Traditional Methods
Most QKD systems rely on bulky hardware that struggles with long distances. Pramatra's integrated photonics chip works over both fiber and free-space networks. That hybrid capability, Richa argues, sets it apart from competitors like Bengaluru-based QNu Labs. The startup is also working on undisclosed projects with the Indian government.
Pramatra was selected for the Techstar Base Accelerator in the US in 2024 and has raised an undisclosed pre-seed from Seafund Ventures. A seed round is coming next to fund the commercial satellite launch and scale ground systems.
The 2028 Commercial Grid
If the 2027 in-orbit demonstration holds, a commercial satellite grid could follow by 2028. The startup has already signed an MoU with Infostellar Inc., Japan's Ground Segment-as-a-Service company, to jointly develop QKD ground station networks. Richa sees AI-driven data centers as a critical use case: "Our technology can help secure GPUs and data infrastructure against future mega threats." Pramatra's chip is one of the few bet on satellite-based QKD—and the clock is ticking toward Q Day.
Source: Securing the space age: Pramatra Space is building quantum-resilient communication
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