STL [NSE: STLTECH], a leading global provider of advanced connectivity solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd. to boost research and development in Quantum Communication over Optical Fibre networks.
QNu Labs, incubated at the IIT Madras Research Park in 2016 and supported by the National Quantum Mission (DST, Govt. of India), is India’s first and only end-to-end quantum cybersecurity company with a growing global footprint. The company focuses on building secure digital infrastructure to protect data against emerging quantum threats, aligning with India’s vision to become a global leader in quantum-secure communications.
India’s quantum communication market is projected to reach around USD 139.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 34.6%. With the government’s ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission driving innovation, India is steadily moving towards creating real-world quantum-secure systems by 2031.
STL has been at the forefront of developing Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) technology — a key enabler of quantum communication. Its MCF solutions, which leverage Space Division Multiplexing across 4-core and 7-core fibres, deliver ultra-high transmission capacity while maintaining the same fibre diameter. These innovations are designed to meet the needs of hyperscale data centres, 5G networks, Gen AI, and ultra-high bandwidth applications like 8K–12K video streaming and cloud gaming.
Notably, STL’s MCF technology was deployed at IIT Madras in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)-sponsored Advanced Optical Communications (AOC) Test Bed, meeting the Essential Requirements defined by Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) standards.
As part of this new partnership, QNu Labs has successfully demonstrated its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system over STL’s 4-core MCF, achieving secure key exchange over 170 km alongside 800 Gbps of classical data transmission, and over 150 km with 1.8 Tbps of classical traffic. This marks a major milestone in integrating quantum security with high-capacity optical networks.
Through this collaboration, STL and QNu Labs aim to accelerate India’s journey toward secure and scalable quantum communication networks. By combining STL’s advanced fibre technologies with QNu’s expertise in QKD and quantum cryptography, both companies will jointly develop future-ready solutions for India and global markets — enabling secure data transmission in the quantum era.