Deep-tech startup Quarkitech raises pre-seed funding

Deep-tech startup Quarkitech has raised Rs 2 crore in a pre-seed funding round from Artha Access, a programme of Artha Venture Fund II, and Finvolve. The Chennai-based startup has also received a Rs 1.5 crore grant from IITM-CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation under the National Quantum Mission, a national programme approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023. The funds will be used to develop a core compression algorithm library that reduces sensor data at the source before it is stored, processed or transmitted, Quarkitech said in a press release. Founded in January 2025 by Rajesh Narayanan, Sanyam Parashar, Shashikant Singh Kunwar and Vishnu P.K., Quarkitech develops simulation and quantum-inspired algorithmic solvers for large-scale combinatorial optimisation across areas such as finance, deep science and mission-critical applications. The startup’s algorithms can compress sensor data by 10 to 100 times, depending on the sensor type, while retaining information relevant to the application. The company said this can allow platforms to transmit more usable data within existing bandwidth and power constraints without requiring additional hardware or communication infrastructure. Its algorithm library is hardware-agnostic, allowing it to run on existing compute infrastructure without requiring specialized hardware. It can be deployed across CPUs and GPUs already available on platforms, and can be integrated with onboard computers used in UAVs, satellites, and ground systems. The…