India's QNu Labs Launches QShield: World’s First Unified Quantum Cryptography Platform

QNu Labs is among a handful of startups selected to spearhead India’s national ambition to lead globally in quantum technology.

On the occasion of World Quantum Day, India has made a significant stride in the realm of quantum technology and cybersecurity. QNu Labs, a pioneering startup incubated at the IIT Madras Research Park, has announced the launch of QShield — the world’s first and only unified platform for seamless cryptography management across any environment, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructures.

This monumental launch comes under the umbrella of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. QNu Labs is among a handful of startups selected to spearhead India’s national ambition to lead globally in quantum technology.

What is QShield?

QShield is a breakthrough platform built on QNu Labs’ patented and indigenous quantum technologies. It empowers enterprises with end-to-end encryption capabilities, ensuring protection of sensitive data in transit and at rest. This platform is designed to secure digital infrastructure across sectors — from government and defense to banking, healthcare, and enterprise IT.

It leverages QNu’s suite of quantum products:

• Armos – A Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system that offers unconditional security by leveraging quantum mechanics to exchange encryption keys.

• Tropos – A high-speed Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) ensuring truly unpredictable cryptographic keys.

• Quantum Hardware Security Module (QHSM) – A secure, tamper-proof hardware device that manages digital keys with quantum safety.

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) – Algorithms compliant with NIST standards that offer resistance to quantum computer-based attacks.

Together, these components make QShield a future-proof solution for quantum-resilient cybersecurity.

Modular Services for Modern Enterprises

QShield is designed to be modular and scalable, offering several built-in services:

• Qosmos – Quantum-safe key generation service.

• QConnect – Secure quantum-enhanced communication channels.

• QVerse – A protected platform for team collaboration and data sharing.

• QSFS (Quantum Secure File System) – Encrypted file storage and sharing solution.

• QVault – Centralized and secure key management system.

With unified management dashboards, flexible deployment models, and easy third-party integrations, QShield is enterprise-ready from day one. It enables organizations to meet current compliance standards while preparing for the inevitable arrival of quantum computing threats.

A Milestone for India's Quantum Ecosystem

Founded in 2016 and backed by DST, QNu Labs has become a torchbearer of India’s quantum innovation. The launch of QShield signals not just technological advancement, but a strategic move in cyber defense. It brings India closer to its vision of becoming a global leader in quantum cryptography and secure digital infrastructure.

Dr. Rajeev Jain, Head of the Quantum Technologies Division at DST, remarked, “The launch of QShield is a proud moment for India. It is a clear demonstration of our startup ecosystem’s ability to deliver world-class technology that can have a global impact. QNu Labs’ work reinforces our confidence in India's leadership potential in the quantum era.”

A Call to Action for Enterprises

With quantum computing fast approaching reality, the risk of existing encryption systems becoming obsolete is no longer theoretical. Enterprises that rely on traditional cryptographic methods are exposed to future threats that could jeopardize everything from financial data to national security.

QShield offers a proactive, plug-and-play pathway to quantum resilience, making it an essential cybersecurity layer for businesses looking to future-proof their operations.

As World Quantum Day brings attention to the next frontier in science and technology, India’s QNu Labs has ensured the spotlight shines on indigenous innovation with global relevance. QShield is not just a product — it is a statement that India is ready to lead the world into a quantum-secure future.