Researchers in India have developed a groundbreaking method for generating truly random numbers using quantum computers, a significant advancement that enhances the security of digital systems. The study was conducted by scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru, in collaboration with colleagues from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the University of Calgary, and their findings were published this year.
Random numbers are essential for digital security, safeguarding bank accounts, encrypting messages, and securing online transactions. Standard computers struggle to create truly random numbers as they rely on predetermined algorithms, making their outcomes theoretically predictable. In contrast, quantum mechanics is inherently random, and the research team found a way to utilize this property using quantum computers.
Previous techniques for generating certified random numbers often involved complex laboratory arrangements that required multiple particles to be spaced far apart. The Indian team streamlined this process by using only a single qubit—the fundamental unit of a quantum computer—measuring it over time instead of utilizing spatially dispersed particles.
This new approach can be executed on IBM’s quantum computer, which is accessible via the cloud, allowing anyone with internet access to harness it. The research builds upon earlier work from 2022, in which the team confirmed the accuracy of quantum mechanics by examining how single particles of light behaved over time. They effectively addressed all possible loopholes in their experiment, solidifying the reliability of their results.
In 2024, the researchers successfully developed a quantum random number generator capable of producing nearly 1 million certified random bits. Now, in 2025, they have demonstrated that the same process can function on commercial quantum computers, broadening the application of their findings beyond specialized laboratory environments.
“This trilogy advances one idea across three frontiers—rigorous foundational validation, practical certification of randomness, and deployment—culminating in certified randomness running on quantum computers in the cloud,” stated Prof. Urbasi Sinha, head of the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at RRI.
The primary advantage of this new method lies in its simplicity. Current quantum computers, despite being small and error-prone, can still generate certified random numbers using this technique. This development is particularly significant for cryptography, where the security of digital keys relies on their unpredictability, making systems more practical for implementation. Additionally, it aids in evaluating the performance of individual qubits in quantum computers, providing a mechanism to assess the quality of quantum hardware.
The RRI is supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology. This work illustrates that quantum computers can perform more than merely solving specific mathematical problems; they can also provide essential tools for secure communications.
