The Quantum Security Symposium 2021 witnessed leaders, industry professionals and research experts share a platform and discuss the latest research, technologies, innovation, challenges and new direction in quantum security.
The advancements in the field of Quantum Computing that we are witnessing today are enabling more efficient processes and new opportunities for organizations across various sectors to enhance their cybersecurity.
How does Quantum Computing impact cybersecurity?
Quantum computing exhibits the potential to transform cybersecurity. As the world is preparing itself for uncertainty, the traditional encryption methods are at a much higher risk, and computing technology is evolving at an unprecedented scale. Large scale quantum computers increase the computing power and promise to detect & deflect cyber threats. While quantum technology showcases the power to catalyze mass development in cybersecurity, it also poses significant challenges & threats to emerging technologies and innovations. A collaborative effort between Governments, academia, corporations & experts is required to address and solve the challenges.
With this view, the National Centre of Excellence partnered with QNu Labs to conduct the first-ever Quantum Security Symposium. The informative conference uncovered transforming research results & impactful insights into quantum security through engaging panel sessions and research demonstrations by experts.
Key Sessions at Quantum Security Symposium
Inaugural & Keynote
The impactful inaugural & keynote session by Ms Rama Vedashree – CEO, DSC, Maj. Gen. Manjeet Singh – Joint Secretary, NSCS and Prof. Michele Mosca – Co-founder & Professor at the University of Waterloo, deliberated on economic prosperity and security in the quantum era.
QNu Lab Presentation
The QNu lab presentation session by Sunil Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO at QNu Labs, shed light on cybersecurity trends and challenges in quantum security. The presentation also demonstrated how quantum solutions can solve issues across the cybersecurity landscape.
Quantum Security: Research and Industry Adoption
The interactive panel discussion witnessed leaders Prof. Robert Young, Lancaster University, Prof. Prabha Mandayam – Associate Professor, IIT Madras, Prof. Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research Institute, Mr Rahil Patel – Global Strategic Partnerships, QNu labs and Mr Vinayak Godse – Vice President, DSCI share their views on being industry-ready for the quantum era by enhancing the cybersecurity ecosystem.
Research and Demonstration
Industry leaders and subject matter experts - Prof. Goutam Paul – Associate Professor and Head, Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata, Dr Meenakshi Kansal – Postdoctoral fellow, IIT Madras, Mr Kanak Kawadiwale – CEO and Founder, Arishti CyberTech, Prof. Sugata Gangopadhyay – Professor, IIT Roorkee and Prof. Urbasi Sinha – Professor, Raman Research Institute discussed breakthroughs in the quantum security ecosystem.
During an inaugural keynote address at the conference, Ms Rama Vedashree – CEO, DSCI, emphasized the need for collaboration & partnership to scale quantum computing research and innovations in India.
What are the leaders’ views on strengthening the quantum security ecosystem to overcome challenges?
During a panel discussion on Research and Industry Adoption, the leaders & subject matter experts highlighted the need to bridge the gap between industry, research and talent. The session also conveyed the importance of encouraging interaction and involvement between large-scale corporations, start-ups and innovators. Experts from the academia suggested that 'only if people realize their roles in terms of strengths, there can be a healthy ecosystem because academia is good with coming up with new ideas and research, and the industry is well poised to productivize these.
How the future unfolds for Quantum Security in India?
Although India has been one of the leading contributors to quantum information theory for several decades, it didn’t have many developments in terms of experimental science. Lately, many programmes and incentivization initiatives have provided funding to projects and encouraged research in quantum technology.
India has been striving to keep pace with global advancements in quantum technology by undertaking large-scale quantum projects and research initiatives. The ecosystem is evolving, and the understanding of the strategic importance of quantum security is enhancing. Industry leaders proposed that the way ahead is probably by putting together public & private partnership projects or having a consortium where the resources available in the academia community, R&D & private sector can be optimized.
Key Learnings from Quantum Security Symposium 2021
- Power of collaboration! Enabling discourse between research, industry and start-ups to foster rapid advancements and innovations in quantum security.
- There’s a need to channel the talent in the right direction to participate in the paradigm shift.
- Students need to be encouraged to contribute to the rising opportunities in quantum and cybersecurity in India to have a self-sufficient academic ecosystem.
- Quantum for all! It’s essential to make available research information and resources for all.
