Latest inventions in science and technology India’s first 500 km Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network A start-up supported under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) — QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd. — has successfully demonstrated India’s first 500 km Quantum Key Distribution(QKD) network Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure communication technology that uses the laws of quantum physics to generate and exchange encryption keys between two parties. Unlike traditional encryption, it ensures that any attempt to intercept or observe the key instantly alters the system, making eavesdropping detectable. Developed by: The Bengaluru-based quantum startup QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd., supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). Space First PSLV made by private firms The first Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) built by a private consortium led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will be launched in February 2026. This marks the first time a PSLV rocket has been developed entirely by private industry under ISRO’s supervision. About 80%–85% of the PSLV systems are developed by private industries. Around 450 Indian industries are currently contributing to India’s space programme. There are over 330 Indian space start-ups active in the sector. Recent ISRO Achievement On November 2, 2025, ISRO successfully placed its heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 into orbit using the LVM-3 M5 (“Bahubali”) rocket. About 80–85% of the systems in this mission were also supplied by Indian industries, showcasing the strong private sector role.
