Bengaluru-based Pramatra Space is building on the quantum-security technology it has been developing since 2023. The startup has completed a third tape-out of its quantum key distribution (QKD) chip, filed its final patent, and is seeing growing interest in using the technology for terrestrial applications.

Founder and CEO Richa Hukumchand says that the 11-member startup plans to raise a funding round soon. She also says Pramatra's QKD chip has progressed from two tape-outs at the time of the previous update to three.

"Our QKD chip has progressed from two tape-outs to three now, and our latest chips are being tested. We expect the results within the next 15–20 days," she says.

The company has also made progress on its intellectual property. Pramatra, which previously held a provisional patent, has now filed the final patent. The specification is complete and examination is under way.

Pramatra's core technology combines QKD with post-quantum cryptography (PQC). While QKD uses quantum physics to distribute encryption keys, PQC uses mathematical algorithms designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers.

Hukumchand says feedback from the defence sector prompted the company to take a hybrid approach.

"For holistic security, including authentication, we got feedback from defence that they want hybrid PQC and QKD," she says. "For encryption, you can use QKD, but for authentication we need an additional layer of PQC."

The spacetech startup is also developing a software layer to orchestrate the different security hardware it deploys. Its data-centre product remains in development, while the company is also seeing demand for terrestrial free-space applications.

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