Chennai-based Quarkitech has raised Rs 2 crore in pre-seed funding from Artha Access and Finvolve to develop data-compression software for defence and space systems. The company has separately secured a Rs 1.5 crore grant from the IITM-CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation under the National Quantum Mission.
The startup will use the capital to expand its core algorithm library and move its technology from laboratory testing toward deployment on drones, satellites and ground-based defence platforms. Quarkitech was established in 2025 by Rajesh Narayanan, Sanyam Parashar and chief technology officer Shashikant Singh Kunwar, together with founding member Vishnnu P.K., who leads its quantum-algorithms work.
Quarkitech develops simulation tools and quantum-inspired algorithms designed to reduce the volume of data generated by high-resolution sensors before that information is stored, processed or transmitted. The targeted sensors include radar, LiDAR, hyperspectral imagers and electro-optical systems.
Its software uses tensor networks, mathematical frameworks employed in modelling complex quantum systems, to identify redundancy in sensor data. Quarkitech says its algorithms can compress different classes of sensor information by between 10 and 100 times, depending on the dataset and intended use.
The approach does not require a quantum computer. The software is designed to run on existing CPUs and GPUs and can be integrated with onboard computers used in unmanned aircraft, satellites and ground systems. This allows the company to apply quantum-derived mathematical techniques to operational hardware already deployed or under development.
The technology is intended for environments in which sensors generate more information than a platform can continuously store or transmit. That constraint is particularly significant for moving systems operating with limited bandwidth, intermittent connectivity, restricted electrical power or short decision windows.
In laboratory trials using images captured by drones, Quarkitech says its software reduced data volume by 26 times while retaining 98% of information classified by the company as mission-critical. These results have not yet been demonstrated under full operating conditions.
The next development phase will test performance on moving platforms exposed to vibration, heat, limited onboard power and inconsistent communications. Deployment on defence and space systems would also require validation against mission-specific accuracy, latency, reliability and cybersecurity requirements.
The National Quantum Mission grant provides non-dilutive support alongside the private pre-seed round. India approved the mission in 2023 to support research and commercial development across quantum computing, communications, sensing and materials. Quarkitech’s project represents a quantum-inspired application focused on present-generation classical hardware rather than a system dependent on future quantum-computing capacity.
