Pramatra Space is building chip-based quantum security for space and ground networks

What happened

Bengaluru startup Pramatra Space plans to demonstrate its technology in space in 2027, ahead of its first mission in 2028, while exploring applications in telecom, drones, and data centres (a building full of computers that runs online services). The startup has completed a third tape-out (the point at which a finished chip design goes to the factory) of its quantum key distribution (QKD) chip, filed its final patent, and is seeing growing interest in using the technology for terrestrial applications.

The 11-member startup has not yet closed its planned seed round (an early stage of company funding) and is targeting the end of 2026 for the fundraise. Bengaluru-based Pramatra Space is building on the quantum-security technology it has been developing since 2023.

Founder and CEO Richa Hukumchand says Pramatra is currently in talks with around four organisations across the defence and financial sectors. Its QKD chip has progressed from two tape-outs at the time of the previous update to three.