Winning the ADITI (Aatmanirbhar Defence Technology Initiative) 2.0 Defence Challenge has come as the latest feather in QuBeats’ cap, which has pioneered the latest Quantum technology-based solutions, for both military and civilian sectors.
GPS denial is a real and growing threat, especially in contested zones, but the Earth itself offers a solution, says Mallikarjun Karra, one of the founders of Hyderabad-based QuBeats.
QuBeats says, the award will fund the development of high-precision quantum sensors that enable accurate navigation in environments where GPS is jammed, denied, or spoofed—a critical capability for modern military operations.
The traditional satellite-based navigation like GPS, runs the risk of signal denial in the form of jamming and spoofing, particularly in contested military zones, this vulnerability has spurred global investment in alternative technologies. On the other hand, quantum navigation uses principles of quantum mechanics to develop systems that are entirely self-reliant, needing no external satellite inputs.
Founded by a team of Indian researchers from global institutions in 2023, QuBeats is led by Mallikarjun Karra, a PhD candidate at the Max Planck Society; Madhu Talluri, a postdoctoral researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab; Shouvik Mukherjee, a postdoc at the Joint Quantum Institute (University of Maryland); and Rajat Sethi, a graduate of MIT, Harvard and IIT Kharagpur who has also served as a political adviser to three chief ministers.
At the centre of the start-up’s work is the development of a ‘quantum magnetometer’, an advanced sensor that detects subtle changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. Since these magnetic patterns differ from place to place, accurately sensing them can help navigate by using the Earth itself as a natural map.
Mallikarjun Karra, one of the founders of QuBeats says, “GPS denial is a real and growing threat, especially in contested zones, but the Earth itself offers a solution. It acts like a giant magnet and its magnetic waves can be used for positioning. Quantum sensors allow us to navigate using these natural signatures with unmatched precision, even when GPS is unavailable.”
The traditional satellite-based navigation like GPS, runs the risk of signal denial in the form of jamming and spoofing, particularly in contested military zones, this vulnerability has spurred global investment in alternative technologies. On the other hand, quantum navigation uses principles of quantum mechanics to develop systems that are entirely self-reliant, needing no external satellite inputs
The company says that the quantum navigation suite under development includes not just magnetometers, but also quantum gyroscopes, miniature atomic clocks, Rydberg radars and ultra-sensitive detection sensors. These technologies are intended for a range of strategic military applications such as undersea warfare, long-range missile guidance and communication in contested environments.
Further these technologies have potential civilian applications as well, including deep-sea exploration, autonomous vehicles, and space navigation.
“The global market for such quantum systems is estimated to be around USD 10 billion,” the company says, adding that it is currently raising a seed funding round to accelerate its product development roadmap.
Globally, major powers are already investing heavily in quantum navigation and sensing. China has reportedly integrated quantum magnetometers into its naval operations to enhance submarine detection capabilities. State-owned enterprises like CETC (China Electronics Technology Group Corporation) and research arms of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have been working on quantum sensors that can penetrate stealth technology by detecting minute magnetic field changes underwater.
In the United States, DARPA (The Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency) and major defence contractors such as Northrop Grumman and Honeywell Aerospace are investing heavily in chip-scale atomic clocks, quantum accelerometers and gravity-based sensors, all aimed at enhancing battlefield navigation without GPS reliance.
Further, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence is also collaborating with BAE Systems and the UK Quantum Technology Hub on developing quantum inertial sensors for GPS-denied environments, particularly in maritime scenarios.
Mallikarjun Karra, one of the founders of QuBeats says, “GPS denial is a real and growing threat, especially in contested zones, but the Earth itself offers a solution. It acts like a giant magnet and its magnetic waves can be used for positioning. Quantum sensors allow us to navigate using these natural signatures with unmatched precision, even when GPS is unavailable”
India also, has also been gradually stepping up efforts in the quantum domain. Last month, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) opened its first Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in Delhi, a facility set to boost research and development in quantum computing, sensing and communication for defence applications.
“The QTRC is expected to act as a national hub for defence-oriented quantum research, with collaborations expected from both the public and private sectors.” a statement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The QuBeats grant is part of the MoD’s broader ADITI 2.0 programme, launched in October 2024. This initiative includes 19 challenges from the Armed Forces covering areas such as AI, quantum tech, military communication, anti-drone systems and adaptive camouflage. The winners receive funding up to Rs 25 crore through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform.
India also, has also been gradually stepping up efforts in the quantum domain. Last month, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) opened its first Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in Delhi, a facility set to boost research and development in quantum computing, sensing and communication for defence applications
“Winning the ADITI 2.0 Challenge is not just a validation of our unique technology approach, but a clarion call to India’s quantum aspirations. QuBeats is here to build the future—and build it from India,” the QuBeats founders said in a joint statement.
QuBeats Technologies is poised to lead the charge in the quantum revolution, delivering transformative solutions that will redefine the boundaries of what is possible. Its commitment to sustainability and ethical innovation guides its approach as it strive to create technologies that not only advance human capabilities but also contribute positively to society and the environment.
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