Quantum startup QuBeats wins Rs 25 crore govt grant to build GPS-free navigation for Indian Navy
According to a press release issued by the start-up, the award will fund the development of high-precision quantum sensors that enable accurate navigation in environments where GPS is jammed, denied or spoofed—a critical capability for modern military operations.
New Delhi: Quantum deep-tech startup QuBeats, one of India's first focused on quantum sensing, has won the ADITI 2.0 Defence Challenge to develop an indigenous Quantum Positioning System (QPS) for the Indian Navy, securing a government grant worth Rs 25 crore. This system will enable naval ships and submarines to navigate accurately even in areas where GPS is unavailable or vulnerable to deception.
Founded by a team of Indian researchers from global institutions in 2023, QuBeats is led by Mallikarjun Karra, a PhD candidate at the Max Planck Society; Madhu Talluri, a postdoctoral researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab; Shouvik Mukherjee, a postdoc at the Joint Quantum Institute (University of Maryland); and Rajat Sethi, a graduate of MIT, Harvard and IIT Kharagpur who has also served as a political adviser to three chief ministers.
At the centre of the start-up's work is the development of a 'quantum magnetometer', an advanced sensor that detects subtle changes in the Earth's magnetic field. Since these magnetic patterns differ from place to place, accurately sensing them can help navigate by using the Earth itself as a natural map.
'GPS denial is a real and growing threat, especially in contested zones,' Mallikarjun Karra, one of the founders, told ThePrint. 'But the Earth itself offers a solution. It acts like a giant magnet and its magnetic waves can be used for positioning. Quantum sensors allow us to navigate using these natural signatures with unmatched precision, even when GPS is unavailable.'
The release by the company added that the quantum navigation suite under development includes not just magnetometers, but also quantum gyroscopes, miniature atomic clocks, Rydberg radars and ultra-sensitive detection sensors. These technologies are intended for a range of strategic military applications such as undersea warfare, long-range missile guidance and communication in contested environments.
The release further said that these technologies have potential civilian applications as well, including deep-sea exploration, autonomous vehicles, and space navigation.
'The global market for such quantum systems is estimated to be around USD 10 billion,' the company said, adding that it is currently raising a seed funding round to accelerate its product development roadmap.
Where India stands in the global quantum race
Globally, major powers are already investing heavily in quantum navigation and sensing. China has reportedly integrated quantum magnetometers into its naval operations to enhance submarine detection capabilities. State-owned enterprises like CETC (China Electronics Technology Group Corporation) and research arms of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have been working on quantum sensors that can penetrate stealth technology by detecting minute magnetic field changes underwater.
In the United States, DARPA (The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) and major defence contractors such as Northrop Grumman and Honeywell Aerospace are investing heavily in chip-scale atomic clocks, quantum accelerometers and gravity-based sensors, all aimed at enhancing battlefield navigation without GPS reliance.
Further, the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence is also collaborating with BAE Systems and the UK Quantum Technology Hub on developing quantum inertial sensors for GPS-denied environments, particularly in maritime scenarios.
India, meanwhile, has also been gradually stepping up efforts in the quantum domain. Last month, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) opened its first Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in Delhi, a facility set to boost research and development in quantum computing, sensing and communication for defence applications.
As per a statement by the Defence Ministry, 'The QTRC is expected to act as a national hub for defence-oriented quantum research, with collaborations expected from both the public and private sectors'.
The QuBeats grant is part of the Ministry of Defence's broader ADITI (Aatmanirbhar Defence Technology Initiative) 2.0 programme, launched in October last year. This initiative includes 19 challenges from the Armed Forces covering areas such as AI, quantum tech, military communication, anti-drone systems and adaptive camouflage. The winners receive funding up to Rs 25 crore through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform.
'Winning the ADITI 2.0 Challenge is not just a validation of our unique technology approach, but a clarion call to India's quantum aspirations. QuBeats is here to build the future—and build it from India,' said the founders in a joint statement.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: IAF aircraft flying into earthquake-hit Myanmar faced GPS spoofing. How it is different from jamming
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
US alumni announce 50L grant for MSU's FTE
Vadodara: MSU Vision 2020, an alumni-funded initiative with strong participation from US-based alumni, announced a Rs 50 lakh annual grant for M S University's Faculty of Technology and Engineering (FTE). The announcement was made during a recent alumni meet held in Silicon Valley, which saw participation from alumni across batches of FTE. "Nearly 90 alumni, most of them from the US, participated in the alumni meet," said MSU's in charge vice-chancellor Dhanesh Patel, who virtually addressed the gathering. The grant will be disbursed for the academic year 2025-26 and will be formally released upon the signing of the MoU, which is currently being finalised, he said. The Rs 50 lakh annual grant includes Rs 1,000 per student for all the departments of FTE. "Against every student enrolled in the faculty, Rs 1,000 will be disbursed. This amount will be provided to the head of the respective departments, considering the number of students enrolled in their departments," said Patel. For instance, if there are 400 students in an engineering department, Rs 400,000 will be disbursed to the department for the development of infrastructure or academic programmes. "Similarly, Rs 200 per student will be allocated to address broader faculty-level initiatives. This allocation will be done through the dean's office," said Patel. The grant aims to empower departments and faculty leadership with flexible funding for enhancing infrastructure, academic programmes, and student support initiatives. During the meet, several proposals were shared. "The team of MSU Vision 2020 has invited faculty leaders to submit a brief write-up on such initiatives to explore potential alumni backing and partnerships," added Patel.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Infopark Phase III land pooling clears key hurdle
Kochi: The proposed Phase III campus of Infopark, planned in 300 acres in Kizhakkambalam panchayat, is a step closer to reality with the local self govt department (LSGD) formally appointing the greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) as the land pooling agency for the project. Earlier, the govt had decided to implement the Phase III project using the land pooling model and nominated GCDA as the executing agency. However, since Kizhakkambalam lies outside GCDA's jurisdiction, the agency sought special approval to proceed. With the latest LSGD order, GCDA has now been officially authorized to carry out land pooling in the area. A GCDA official confirmed that the new order removes a major procedural hurdle. However, further progress depends on the approval of the IT department, which has yet to give the green light to Infopark authorities. The proposal has been pending with the department for several months. The govt envisions a township-model IT hub under Phase III in the Kunnathunadu assembly constituency. As per the land pooling scheme, landowners will receive 60% of their original land post-development, with the value expected to rise three to four times. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Since this is Kerala's first project to follow the land pooling approach, GCDA recently hosted a workshop to familiarize stakeholders with the process. Demand for additional space at Infopark has been rising steadily. Phases I and II are already at full capacity, with over 600 companies operating and more than 70,000 professionals employed. Currently, more than 120 firms are on the waiting list for space. The Phase III expansion is expected to attract investments of around Rs 12,000 crore and generate IT employment for over one lakh individuals.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Digital push: Vypeen to launch e-libraries in all high schools
Kochi: In a pioneering step towards promoting digital literacy and access to knowledge, e-libraries will be set up across all higher secondary schools (HSS), vocational higher secondary schools and high schools within Vypeen constituency. According to MLA K N Unnikrishnan, this initiative will make Vypeen the first constituency in the state where every high school has a digital library. The inauguration of the constituency-wide project will be held at the St Mary's High School ground in Pallippuram at 10am on July 29. Kerala legislative assembly speaker A N Shamseer will inaugurate the event, with MLA Unnikrishnan presiding. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by Unnikrishnan, aims to shape a brighter future for the community. "The digital libraries will host an extensive collection of top-quality books accessible to both students and public. In addition, various training programmes will be offered to help users develop expertise in different fields. The libraries will include works from renowned authors as well as contemporary writers," Unnikrishnan said. Students can access the digital content using the computers already available in schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo E-libraries will provide guidance and preparation resources for competitive exams. Courses in spoken English, communication skills and syllabus-oriented learning programmes for beginners and intermediate learners will also be available. Unnikrishnan further stated that digital libraries aim to bridge the gap in educational resources between urban and rural areas, promote reading habits and encourage learning across all age groups. "Besides school and college students, homemakers, job seekers, senior citizens and public will also benefit from these libraries," Unnikrishnan said. The total investment in the project is Rs 2.5 crore.
