Pune Startup to Develop Advanced Lasers for Precise Atomic Clocks under India’s National Quantum Mission
Pune Startup to Develop Advanced Lasers for Precise Atomic Clocks under India's National Quantum Mission
QuPrayog, a spin-off from IISER Pune, to build indigenous Titanium Sapphire Lasers for quantum technologies under India’s National Quantum Mission.
Atomic clocks, the pinnacle of precision in timekeeping, rely on ultra-stable lasers and frequency combs to measure the electromagnetic transitions of electrons in atoms. These highly specialized components, until now, have been predominantly imported into India.
A major boost to funding startups in Quantum Technologies!!
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In a landmark step for the country’s deep tech startup ecosystem, eight disruptive technology startups have been selected for support under the newly established guidelines of the @IndiaDST empowering India’s leadership… pic.twitter.com/9GkCYH8rhj
QuPrayog Private Limited, a Pune-based startup and a spin-off from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, is set to change this landscape. Co-founded by Dr. Rahul Sawant, a faculty fellow at I-Hub Quantum Technologies Foundation, and Dr. Jay Mangaonkar, a postdoctoral fellow at IISER Pune, the startup will develop advanced Titanium Sapphire Laser systems and optical frequency combs. These technologies are critical for ultra-stable atomic clocks and other advanced quantum technology applications.
National Quantum Mission Support
QuPrayog is among eight startups selected for support under the Department of Science and Technology’s National Quantum Mission. The initiative seeks to foster indigenous capabilities in the strategically vital field of quantum technologies. The startups were chosen following a competitive process initiated by I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, hosted at IISER Pune.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, announced the selected startups at an event held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. He highlighted the significance of reducing India’s dependency on imports for quantum technology components.
Key Developments in Quantum Technology Startups
The other startups selected for support include:
• QuNu Labs Private Limited (Bengaluru): Developing a Quantum Safe Heterogeneous Network.
• QpiAl India Pvt Ltd (Bengaluru): Working on a full-stack quantum computer using superconducting qubits.
• Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Bombay): Building cryogenic radiofrequency cables for quantum computing.
• PrenishQ Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Delhi): Creating high-precision diode laser systems.
• Pristine Diamonds Private Limited (Ahmedabad): Innovating advanced diamond materials for quantum sensing.
• Quanastra Pvt. Ltd. (Delhi): Producing customizable cryogenics and superconducting detectors.
• Quan2D Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (IISc Bengaluru): Developing cost-effective single-photon detectors.
Indigenous Innovation and Strategic Importance
Dr. Nair, Project Director at I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance of developing indigenous capabilities in quantum technology. He noted that the work of startups like QuPrayog would pave the way for significant advancements in fields ranging from ultraprecise measurements to quantum computing and sensing.
By fostering these initiatives, India aims to secure its position as a global leader in quantum technology while reducing its reliance on imported components. QuPrayog’s Titanium Sapphire Lasers and frequency combs represent a significant step toward this goal.
