C‑DOT Teams Up with Synergy Quantum to Safeguard Defence, Telecom, and Banking from Quantum Threats

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s premier telecom R&D body under the Department of Telecommunications, has signed an agreement with Synergy Quantum India Private Limited to jointly develop a quantum vulnerability detection tool.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Scope: It targets sectors like defence, telecom, and banking, where future quantum computing capabilities could break existing encryption methods.
• Functionality: The automated system will scan cryptographic mechanisms, flag vulnerabilities, and distinguish between quantum-safe and quantum-vulnerable algorithms.
• Strategic Importance: This initiative is part of India’s broader push to strengthen cybersecurity preparedness against emerging quantum threats, ensuring resilience in national digital infrastructure.
• Outcome: The tool is expected to become a foundational capability for organizations preparing for next-generation cryptographic security.

Why It Matters

Quantum computers, once mature, could render today’s widely used encryption (like RSA and ECC) obsolete. By proactively identifying vulnerable algorithms, India is positioning itself to transition toward quantum-safe cryptography before such threats materialize.

Here’s a deeper look at the quantum vulnerability detection tool being developed by C-DOT and Synergy Quantum, along with a global analogy to similar initiatives:

About the Tool

• Automated Detection: Scans devices, networks, and infrastructure to identify cryptographic algorithms in use.
• Classification: Distinguishes between quantum‑safe and quantum‑vulnerable algorithms (e.g., RSA, ECC).
• Reporting: Flags vulnerabilities and provides actionable insights for migration to post‑quantum cryptography (PQC).
• Target Sectors: Defence, telecom, and banking — areas most at risk if quantum computers break classical encryption.
• Strategic Role: Serves as a foundational capability for India’s cybersecurity ecosystem, enabling proactive transition before quantum threats materialize.

Global Analogies

India’s move mirrors efforts in other regions where governments and companies are preparing for the post‑quantum era:

Region / Organization	Initiative	Focus
United States (NIST)	Post‑Quantum Cryptography Standardization Project	Developing global standards for quantum‑resistant algorithms.
European Union (PQCrypto, ETSI)	Quantum‑Safe Cryptography Working Groups	Researching migration strategies for telecom and finance sectors.
China	National Quantum Communication Network	Building secure quantum key distribution (QKD) infrastructure.
UK (Quantinuum, Cambridge Quantum)	Quantum cybersecurity solutions	Commercial tools for quantum‑safe encryption and migration.
Japan (NTT, Toshiba)	Quantum key distribution trials	Integrating QKD into telecom networks.

Strategic Implication

India’s tool is unique in its automated vulnerability detection approach, complementing global PQC standardization efforts. While the US and EU focus on algorithm development and standards, India is emphasizing practical detection and migration

About Synergy Quantum

Synergy Quantum is relatively a new company, which was established in December 2022, registered in New Delhi, India. The company's private limited company, classified under research and experimental development. Synergy Quantum specializes in quantum communication and cybersecurity solutions, with emphasis on post-quantum cryptography.

Notably, the founder of Synergy Quantum India Private Limited is Jay Oberai, who also serves as the company’s CEO. He has been prominently featured in discussions on India’s quantum sovereignty and cybersecurity, including recognition by the Forbes Technology Council for his role in advancing quantum‑safe solutions.

Oberoi, a Harvard University graduate, has been seed investor in Cambridge Quantum Computing (CQC), which later merged into Quantinuum (valued at over $10 billion). This positioned him at the forefront of quantum technology investment globally.

Jai Oberoi actively advises governments and institutions in the UK, Switzerland, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia on quantum strategy and digital infrastructure planning.