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.
The 11-member startup has not yet closed its planned seed round and is targeting the end of 2026 for the fundraise.
Founder and CEO Richa Hukumchand says Pramatra is currently in talks with around four organisations across the defence and financial sectors. Its 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.
Taking quantum security beyond satellites
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.
Hukumchand says the compact nature of its chip-based technology has led to discussions around applications such as secure communication between telecom towers, and between drones and ground stations.
"Pilot discussions are going on to see if it can be used for terrestrial operations," she says.
Pramatra is also working with Japanese ground-station company Infostellar Inc to explore additional optical ground stations and define requirements for last-mile security. Hukumchand says the startup has made progress on its "hybrid agile methodology" and on integrating PQC into its broader quantum-security offering.
Building a space-to-ground security stack
Pramatra's original roadmap centred on satellite-based QKD, with its technology designed to sit inside space payloads and connect secure communications infrastructure on the ground.
The startup is currently working with about three satellite companies and plans its first in-space demonstration of the product in 2027. It is targeting its first mission with the product in 2028.
Hukumchand says Pramatra sees its ability to work across both satellite and terrestrial infrastructure as an advantage. Its competition in space remains global, with Hukumchand naming qtlabs and IonQ among its competitors.
Pramatra was also selected for Bharat Innovates, a government-backed programme involving 120 deeptech companies. IISc has validated the company's results and its hypothesis around using chip-based technology for space-based QKD.
Pramatra Space is part of YourStory's Tech30 cohort—a showcase of India's most promising startups of 2026, unveiled at TechSparks Bengaluru.
Edited by Teja Lele