How does one go about explaining quantum computing? Think of that vintage telephone at any of the general stores in Calcutta. Now, put it next to your iPhone. That’s the difference between computers and “quantum computers”.

One of my favorite physicists of all times, Dr. Richard Feynman said, “Nature isn’t classical…and if you want to make a simulation of nature, you’d better make it quantum mechanical, and by golly it’s a wonderful problem, because it doesn’t look so easy..”

But, hey, not so fast! Let’s first get to understand what classical computing and cryptography are, and then get to the sci-fi, shall we?

Classical computers are assemblies of logic gates using binary code. This means that at any given point of time, a single state exists, in the forms of “0” or “1” (bits), meaning “Yes” or “No” when you translate it to logical conclusions. Schematic representation is given below

It’s based on this principal that applications are run on classical computing. Classical cryptography is one such application. On top of these binary bits, it’s based on mathematics and relies on the computational difficulty of factorizing large numbers. The original data is transferred into a cipher text which is sent to the receiver by the sender through stipulated communication channels. A data string called the key is used to extract the information from the cipher by the receiver. It’s assumed that only the authorized person has the key.

Classical communications and internet aka cryptography has many advantages, including the fact that it is independent of the medium of transmission, and hence, large amounts of encrypted data can be transmitted easily across long distances, and its cost effective too. However, there are some disadvantages:

• The algorithms in classical computing aren’t completely free of loopholes. Also, since it’s based on binary codes and every state is defined, it makes it easily hackable.
• The key size in classical cryptography is also relatively smaller, so the number of permutation and combinations is finite, which means a system with high computing capabilities can easily figure out the passkey, making the entire structure extremely vulnerable.

Quantum Cryptography or Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is based on quantum mechanics and it sends a series of photons (light particles) to transfer data from one point to the other. What makes it so secure is that at any given point of time, the quantum particles (qubits) are in a dual state. Superposition of these qubits generates entropy which makes it super hard to breach the code.

As economies across global battle for digital supremacy with countries leveraging digital technologies, including cloud computing, and everyone is looking to leapfrog their way into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and India is not lagging behind. Digital India, the government’s flagship program is in the path of transforming the country into a digitally empowered knowledge economy. Aadhaar, the biometric digital program of the government’s, and one of the largest biometric drive in the world, is a very good example of that. As we go about creating more and more digital identities, the need for higher computational power and security increases. Enter QNu Labs!

Founded in 2016, QNu Labs is working to solve challenges in data protection and cybersecurity by offering quantum-safe security. Over the years, the team has been able to build a competitive product stack at a much reduced cost and form-factor which makes it an attractive proposition. Besides, the tech has been built in such a way that it can be easily layered over and integrated into the existing classical modules across organisations and sectors such as healthcare, BFSI, telecom, defence, just to name a few, with a TAM of $25B, growing at an impressive CAGR of 19%. Additionally, the government’s plan to invest USD 1.12B in quantum computing research over the next 5 years further has accelerated the technological advancements in this segment. The funding boost will ensure that India can make significant contributions in these emerging disruptive technologies.

This has further perked up our willingness to back these incredible founders behind QNu. Although technology maturity is an on-going process and will take many years, the future winners in this market will be determined in the next couple of years.

In the next 18 months, the start-up plans to expand its footprints globally by launching unique and compelling quantum security solutions for customers with the vision of making quantum safe cybersecurity technology ubiquitous.

We are thrilled to have QNu Labs join the Speciale Invest family!