Words by Prof. Urbasi Sinha
Necessity is the mother of invention.
The cryptographic methods securing today’s data through key distribution face imminent threats from both classical and quantum computational breakthroughs. These systems rely on mathematically “hard” problems that can ultimately fall to brute force attacks or algorithmic innovations. Our data demands a paradigm shift—and quantum mechanics provides it.
Quantum communications applies fundamental physics principles to address this critical vulnerability. Though my research has explored fundamental aspects for decades, developing pioneering quantum technologies in India yielded breakthrough results and numerous first-to-market solutions. This success increasingly compelled me to transform laboratory achievements into societal benefits.
After careful consideration, I launched QuSyn Technologies in early 2023 alongside brilliant collaborators who shared this vision. Our start up delivers solutions spanning quantum security to quantum-enhanced medical imaging—bridging the lab-to-market gap. Many innovations found their genesis in my laboratory, creating an extraordinary opportunity to directly address societal needs through scientific advancement. This journey offers profound fulfilment as a scientist, allowing me to simultaneously explore fundamental questions while applying these discoveries toward greater good.
Do these quantum technology solutions apply to developing nations?
Yes indeed, more so. India has no doubt taken a very forward thinking approach by becoming one of the first few countries in the world to have a focused national quantum strategy. While developed nations can afford to allocate resources to niche technologies, it takes some great vision and a very well thought-through strategy for a developing nation to prioritise deep tech over other pressing problems. It gives us an opportunity to prepare the foundations to lead. As someone who has been associated with India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) since its inception, first as a member of the Draft Project Report committee, then as one of the go-to scientists for the Government to help draft the mission deliverables and now as a lead member of the Quantum Communications hub, I have seen and helped the mission take shape over the last few years and am now very excited to witness and contribute to the explosive growth it promises for the nation.
I have also been instrumental in the creation and launch of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a ground-breaking multi-stakeholder institution born out of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator GESDA, supported by UBS and hosted by CERN, first conceptualised in 2022. I provide scientific guidance as an advisory board member to the OQI, civil society engagement and high-level political advocacy for the project’s aims and have been named an OQI ambassador representing NQM at the OQI.
The institute aims to accelerate quantum computing applications for the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN and foster collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, the UN and NGOs; ensure global, equitable access to quantum resources; develop international quantum education initiatives; and establish a neutral forum for quantum diplomacy. Indeed this has been one of my pivotal science diplomacy engagements, helping bring scientists and diplomats under the same umbrella so that we can work towards science that benefits all.
While my faculty career has taken its roots in India, I have always seen myself as someone who has benefitted and participated wholeheartedly in international efforts as well as agendas. This finds me associated with several leadership roles including elected membership of the C15 commission of the International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) 2021-2024 and now re-elected from 2025-2027, member of the coordination team for the World Quantum Day network as the Indian and Asian representative since 2021 as well as a Distinguished International Associateship at the Royal Academy of Engineering UK 2024 onwards. With active collaborations with scientists all over the world including Europe, USA, Canada as well as Australia, I look forward to playing a significant role in making the global quantum internet a reality.
A new dimension has opened up with me being recently awarded the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies. This means I am now able to expand the scope of my science and bring forth a true vision of science being global and transcending geographical boundaries.
Through pioneering quantum technologies and international diplomacy, I am playing a small role in building a future where groundbreaking quantum technology solutions transcend laboratory walls to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. My vision unites scientific discovery with global equity, ensuring quantum innovations reach both developed and developing nations—transforming how we secure data, advance SDGs, and collaborate across borders to create a more connected world.
Prof. Urbasi Sinha is an Indian physicist and professor who heads the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) laboratory at Raman Research Institute. This is one of the first labs in India to manufacture and establish the usage of entangled and heralded single photon sources towards various applications in quantum science and technologies.
