In a significant advancement for indigenous defense technology, QuBeats, an Indian quantum deeptech startup, has secured a Rs 25 crore grant from the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX ADITI 2.0 initiative. This funding is earmarked for the development of a state-of-the-art Quantum Positioning System (QPS) specifically designed for the Indian Navy. The objective is to ensure precise navigation in environments where GPS signals may be absent or compromised.
The innovative QPS aims to utilize high-precision quantum sensors, notably quantum magnetometers, which operate independently from satellite navigation systems. This is a crucial advancement for military operations involving submarines, missile systems, and unmanned platforms, especially in contested or remote areas where GPS reliability is a concern.
This initiative positions India strategically in the competitive global arena of quantum technology, where it will face off against nations like the United States and China. China is currently exploring the use of quantum magnetometers for stealth submarine detection, while the U.S. is focused on developing chip-scale quantum clocks to enhance navigation on the battlefield. QuBeats, which boasts a team of PhD experts from prestigious institutions such as MIT and Harvard, seeks to establish an indigenous alternative to the dominance of foreign technologies.
Research from the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses underscores the groundbreaking potential of quantum-enhanced inertial navigation. A recent article published in Nature Communications found that quantum sensors can outshine traditional systems in precision by as much as 100 times in unfavorable conditions, highlighting their considerable military applications.
The grant emphasizes India’s strategic goal of developing a self-reliant quantum ecosystem aligned with the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications. The initiative has allocated nearly USD 1 billion over a five-year period to bolster the country’s capabilities in this cutting-edge field. Leadership at QuBeats expressed gratitude for the support received, considering it a validation of India’s novel strategy in defense innovation and a step toward achieving technological sovereignty in vital sectors.
As the development of the indigenous QPS progresses, it is expected to significantly enhance the navigational capabilities of the Indian Navy and bolster national security in a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by technological competition.
