SOURCE: AFI
QuBeats, an innovative Indian startup in the quantum technology space, is making waves with its cutting-edge work on GPS-denied and spoofed positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions, aimed at bolstering India’s defense capabilities. Led by founder Rajat Sethi, a distinguished alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and MIT, QuBeats is collaborating closely with the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to mitigate risks in multiple GPS-denied scenarios, a critical need in modern warfare where electronic jamming and spoofing threaten traditional navigation systems.
Sethi’s journey—from a Punjabi refugee family displaced during the 1947 partition to a trailblazer in quantum-based electronic warfare (EW) technology—underscores the startup’s mission to secure India’s strategic edge through indigenous innovation.
Global Positioning System (GPS) reliance has become a double-edged sword for military operations, as adversaries increasingly deploy jamming and spoofing technologies to disrupt satellite-based navigation. GPS-denied environments, where signals are blocked or manipulated, pose significant risks to defense platforms, from fighter jets to naval vessels. QuBeats is addressing this challenge by developing quantum-based PNT solutions that operate independently of satellite signals, leveraging the precision and resilience of quantum sensing technologies.
While specific details of QuBeats’ system remain confidential due to its defense applications, the startup claims to be harnessing quantum magnetometers and inertial navigation systems enhanced by quantum algorithms. These technologies can provide accurate positioning by detecting subtle changes in Earth’s magnetic field or using ultra-precise quantum clocks for timing, offering a robust alternative to GPS. “Our work focuses on ensuring operational continuity in contested environments,” Sethi stated in a recent post on X, emphasizing QuBeats’ role in mitigating risks for the Indian armed forces.
Developing quantum-based PNT systems is no small feat. Challenges include miniaturizing quantum sensors for battlefield deployment, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions, and integrating solutions with existing defense platforms. QuBeats’ collaboration with the MoD and academic institutions like IIT Kharagpur could accelerate progress, but scaling production and securing funding remain critical hurdles. India’s defense R&D budget, at 5-6% of the ?6.21 lakh crore defense allocation, limits risk capital for deep-tech ventures, as noted by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat.
The startup’s collaboration with the MoD aligns with India’s broader push to counter electronic warfare threats, particularly along its borders with China and Pakistan, where GPS jamming has been reported. By integrating quantum technologies into defense systems, QuBeats aims to enhance the resilience of platforms like the Tejas LCA, Arjun tank, and naval warships, ensuring they remain mission-ready even under adversarial conditions.
Rajat Sethi, QuBeats’ founder, is no stranger to the defense and technology spheres. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur and MIT, Sethi combines deep technical expertise with a strategic understanding of India’s security needs, often sharing insights as a television analyst on national security issues. His entrepreneurial journey is rooted in a remarkable personal story: born into a Punjabi refugee family displaced during the 1947 partition and settled in Kanpur, Sethi’s resilience and commitment to nation-building reflect his family’s legacy of overcoming adversity.
Sethi’s long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a nationalist organization, has shaped his vision of leveraging technology for India’s self-reliance. “My family’s history of sacrifice drives my passion to contribute to India’s strength,” Sethi said in a recent interview, highlighting how his roots inspire QuBeats’ mission. His blend of academic rigor, patriotic zeal, and entrepreneurial spirit has positioned QuBeats as a key player in India’s burgeoning quantum technology ecosystem.
Founded in Bengaluru, QuBeats is part of India’s growing cohort of quantum startups, supported by initiatives like the National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched in 2023 to position India as a global leader in quantum technologies. While startups like QNu Labs and QPiAI focus on quantum cryptography and computing, QuBeats’ niche in quantum-based PNT for defense applications sets it apart. Its work complements DRDO’s efforts in asymmetric technologies, such as the recently unveiled “Gun-on-Drone” system, reflecting a broader trend of integrating advanced tech into India’s defense strategy.
The global demand for GPS-independent navigation is rising, driven by vulnerabilities exposed in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, where GPS jamming disrupted operations. QuBeats’ solutions could have export potential, aligning with India’s $5 billion defense export target by 2025. Friendly nations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, facing similar threats, may express interest, though export versions would require compliance with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
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