Pramatra Space, a Bengaluru-based company, continues to develop its quantum security technology, which it has been working on since 2023. The startup has completed the third stage of releasing its chip for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), filed a final patent application, and is attracting growing interest for applications in ground systems.
The startup, which currently has 11 employees, has not yet closed its planned seed funding round and aims to raise funds by the end of 2026. Founder and CEO Richa Khukumchand reported that Pramatra is in discussions with approximately four organizations from the defense and financial sectors. The company's QKD chip has advanced from two release stages to three.
Richa Khukumchand noted: 'Our QKD chip has advanced from two release stages to three, and our latest chips are undergoing testing. We expect results within the next 15–20 days.' The company has also achieved success in intellectual property: after a preliminary patent, Pramatra filed a final patent, and the examination process is now underway.
Pramatra's core technology combines QKD with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). While QKD uses quantum physics to distribute encryption keys, PQC employs mathematical algorithms resistant to attacks from quantum computers. Khukumchand explained that feedback from the defense sector prompted the company to adopt a hybrid approach. She stated: 'For comprehensive security, including authentication, we received feedback from the defense sector regarding the desire to use a hybrid PQC and QKD. QKD can be used for encryption, but we need an additional layer of PQC for authentication.'
The space technology company is also developing a software layer to manage various security hardware it implements. A product for data centers is under development, and the company also sees demand for ground applications using free space. Khukumchand emphasized that the compactness of the chip technology facilitates discussions on applications such as secure communication between telecom towers and between drones and ground stations.
Pramatra is collaborating with the Japanese company Infostellar Inc., which deals with ground stations, to study additional optical ground stations and define last-mile security requirements. Khukumchand reported on the company's progress in the 'hybrid agile development' methodology and the integration of PQC into a broader quantum security offering. Pramatra's initial roadmap focused on satellite-based QKD, with its technology designed to be placed inside space payloads and connect ground secure communication infrastructure.
Currently, the startup is working with about three satellite companies and plans its first in-space product demonstration in 2027, with the first mission featuring the product scheduled for 2028. Khukumchand believes Pramatra's ability to work with both satellite and ground infrastructure is an advantage. Its competitors in the space sector remain global, and she named qtlabs and IonQ among them.
Pramatra was also selected to participate in the government-supported Bharat Innovates program, which includes 120 deep tech companies. IISc confirmed the company's results and its hypothesis regarding the use of chip technology for space-based QKD. Pramatra Space is part of the Tech30 cohort from YourStory—showcasing India's most promising startups for 2026, presented at TechSparks Bengaluru.