Quantum Industries

QNu Labs is an Indian provider of quantum cryptography and post-quantum security solutions, focusing on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG), and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), all integrated into a platform called QShield. It leverages quantum physics to provide "true randomness," anti-eavesdropping capabilities, and distributed keys, helping clients prepare their data protection for the "post-quantum era."

Ref: https://www.qnulabs.com/

Products / Services

• QShield Platform: A "quantum-safe platform" integrating NIST-compliant PQC algorithms, proprietary QRNG, QKD, and APIs, extending to:

  • QConnect / Secure File Sharing: A secure file-sharing service (platform application).

  • QVerse: A quantum-safe messaging service.

  • Entropy as a Service (EaaS): Supplying high-entropy randomness via the cloud.

• Armos (QKD): A Quantum Key Distribution device that transmits keys using single photons, capable of detecting eavesdropping interference.

• Tropos (QRNG): A Quantum Random Number Generator that provides a high-quality entropy source to strengthen keys and various cryptographic uses; also supports EaaS delivery model.

• Hodos (PQC): A Post-Quantum Cryptography suite, advertised as using "NIST-compliant" algorithms to address the threat of quantum computing.

Tropos Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG)

▲ Tropos - Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG)
Ref: https://www.qnulabs.com/

The randomness of Tropos originates from a "quantum laser source." The laser produces a stream of photons. The system is based on the "Time-of-Arrival of single photons": it measures the time a single photon arrives at a Single Photon Detector (SPD) and converts these unpredictable arrival times into random numbers.

▲ The process from photon generation to random number output: The laser first emits light, which is then passed through a variable optical attenuator (VOA) to adjust its intensity to the single-photon level. The photons are then sent to an SPD (Single Photon Detector); the system records which time bin each detection falls into based on an external time reference.
Ref: https://www.qnulabs.com/

For each time bin, the probability of a photon landing in it is uniform. Even if you know all parameters of state preparation, propagation, and detection in advance, you cannot predict which time bin it will actually land in; only at the moment of detection does the photon's quantum state collapse to a specific time bin.

The system uses a test suite to verify the randomness of the generated bits. Only if they pass the test are these bits forwarded to the application or user needing random numbers. External transmission typically uses a RESTful interface as an API to provide Tropos's random numbers to external applications or end-users.

Technology and R&D

• QKD Technical Points: Single-photon/quantum state disturbance allows for detectable eavesdropping, suitable for key distribution over high-value channels.

• QRNG: Provides "ontic randomness" from a quantum physical source, which can significantly reduce the risk of patterns found in traditional pseudo-randomness.

• PQC: The platform claims to be "NIST compliant."

• Platform Integration: Connects QKD/QRNG/PQC to existing stacks (TLS/IPsec, VPN, storage encryption, KMS/HSM) via API, supporting "hybrid cryptography" (PQC + traditional) and "hybrid distribution" (QKD + PQC) migration paths.

Partners

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

• LTI — Let’s Solve

• Quantum Alliance

• ThynkBlynk

• Quantum Blockchains

• Airtel

• BlackHills Quantum

• Cystel

• Crown Commercial Service Supplier

• Intel Startup Program

• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)

• Cisco for Startups

• NetApp Excellerator

• NASSCOM DeepTech Club

• DSCI (Data Security Council of India)

• Thales Accelerate Partner Network (OEM Gold)

• Cisco Preferred Solution Partner

• Bharat Electronics

• Troop Messenger

• IN-SPACe

• Urban Matrix

Ref: https://www.qnulabs.com/

Parts of this article were generated and edited with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by the author. Originally written in Chinese by the author, these articles are translated into English to invite cross-language resonance.