amPICQ secures future of data with quantum-safe photonic chips

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The rise of quantum computing threatens to break encryption systems that protect sensitive information across industries, from banking to defense. Traditional methods, while effective today, will soon be vulnerable to attacks that could compromise critical infrastructure and data security. The potential fallout is immense — exposing financial systems, health care data, and even government communications to new forms of cyberattacks.

amPICQ, a deep tech startup founded in Hyderabad, India, is addressing this global challenge by developing photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to create quantum-safe communication systems. Their miniaturized, energy-efficient technology delivers the same functionality as bulky, discrete hardware — at a fraction of the size, weight and cost. The company aims to make secure communication both practical and scalable, ensuring data is protected against the computing power of tomorrow.

Shrinking complex systems onto a chip

At the core of amPICQ’s innovation is a proprietary thin-film deposition and circuit integration platform. This technology makes it possible to consolidate complex optical systems into a single chip, allowing secure quantum communication to be deployed more widely and cost-effectively.

Miniaturization is key. Traditional systems for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) rely on racks of discrete optical components, making them expensive, power-hungry, and difficult to scale. By shrinking these functions onto a chip, amPICQ offers customers a tenfold reduction in size, weight, and cost, along with reduced power consumption.

“Our chip-based systems don’t just secure data—they do it in a way that is practical, compact, and affordable,” said Dr. Madhav Pulipati, CEO of amPICQ. “By leveraging integrated photonics, we’ve created solutions that are lighter and more energy-efficient while still meeting the demands of defense, finance, healthcare, and telecom.”

Advantages in a global race

As industries worldwide prepare for the quantum era, the ability to deliver quantum-safe communication is becoming a race. amPICQ’s approach stands out in a field where many solutions remain large, costly, and difficult to scale.

Unlike competing QKD systems that depend on bulky hardware, amPICQ’s integrated chips can be manufactured with higher yield and reliability. And while many photonics companies rely primarily on silicon, amPICQ uses compound semiconductors that deliver superior performance in quantum and high-frequency applications. This combination of design, materials, and manufacturability positions the company as a strong contender in a high-stakes global market.

Industry recognition has followed. amPICQ was named “Best Semiconductor Startup of the Year” at the 2025 Vision Summit hosted by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), validating both the technology and the team’s trajectory.

Finding a second home in Rochester

Participation in the Luminate accelerator helped amPICQ recognize the unique advantages of Rochester’s photonics hub—and ultimately commit to moving its headquarters to New York state and its optical manufacturing operations here. The decision reflects a deliberate strategy to anchor the company in one of the most advanced optics and photonics ecosystems in the United States.

“Luminate opened our eyes to the opportunities here,” Dr. Pulipati said. “Not only will AIM Photonics support us with manufacturing/fabrication, packaging, and testing, but we also see Rochester as the right place to expand our team and accelerate our product development. Our presence here will be key to scaling globally.”

By embedding in Rochester, amPICQ gains proximity to fabrication and integration resources, opportunities for consortium building with other photonics companies, and a local pipeline of skilled professionals from Rochester Institute of Technology. This combination of assets will be critical as the company moves from pilot-scale production toward commercial volumes.

The road ahead

Over the next year, amPICQ plans to conduct field trials of its quantum transceiver while advancing several new projects. These include a PIC-based Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) to create unbreakable random keys, a satellite-based QKD project for secure global communications, and a fully integrated QKD system over fiber with Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) integration to secure networks on both hardware and software levels.

Each of these efforts reflects a focus on bringing cutting-edge research out of the lab and into deployable systems.

“Deep-tech startups often face the ‘valley of death’ between lab research and commercial deployment,” Dr. Pulipati said. “Luminate is helping us bridge that gap by providing mentorship, funding, and connections that make us market-ready.”

Using future funding to scale

If awarded Luminate’s follow-on funding, amPICQ plans to accelerate development of its fiber-based QKD system, advance the prototype of its QRNG, and kick off work on both its satellite QKD and hybrid QKD + PQC solutions. The company also intends to establish a dedicated measurement center for PIC testing and expand its engineering and leadership teams to support growing demand.

“Our vision is simple,” Dr. Pulipati emphasized. “We want to make quantum-secure communication practical and accessible before quantum computers make today’s systems obsolete. Rochester is becoming central to how we will achieve that.”

The companies of Luminate cohort 8 will compete for $2 million in follow-on funding at Luminate Finals 2025 on October 22. The program is funded by Empire State Development’s Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. For more information about the Luminate accelerator and Finals 2025, visit luminate.org.