In the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian deep tech, few stories are as compelling as that of Sreekuttan L S, the Co-Founder and CEO of Bloq Quantum. His journey from a dedicated student of physics to a pioneer in the quantum computing startup ecosystem offers a masterclass in resilience, specialized knowledge, and entrepreneurial grit.
An exclusive interview with the Indian Startup Times recently highlighted how Sreekuttan is bridging the gap between complex subatomic theories and practical enterprise solutions.
The Genesis: A Foundation in Physics
Sreekuttan’s path did not begin in a boardroom but in the rigorous academic environment of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. It was here that his fascination with the “physics of the invisible” took root. Unlike classical physics, which deals with the tangible world, quantum mechanics explores the behavior of matter at the smallest scales—atoms and subatomic particles.
While his academic background provided him with the technical vocabulary of qubits and quantum entanglement, Sreekuttan realized early on that his true calling was not in lifelong research but in application. He identifies himself as an “entrepreneur first and a quantum entrepreneur second,” a mindset that allowed him to look at quantum mechanics through the lens of market viability rather than just academic curiosity.
Overcoming Early Failures: The “Boson Academy” Lesson
Every successful founder has a “failed” first attempt that serves as their true education. For Sreekuttan, it was Boson Academy, an online coaching platform launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. The venture aimed to help students prepare for competitive exams like the IIT-JEE.
However, the startup failed to gain traction. Sreekuttan candidly recalls the “disaster” of making endless cold calls to schools with no response. While the experience was emotionally taxing, it taught him three critical lessons:
- Market Timing: Even a good idea can fail if the market isn’t ready or if the distribution channel is broken.
- Resilience: Learning to handle the “silence” of a failing business.
- The Pivot: Knowing when to take your specialized knowledge (Physics) and marry it with a better business model.
The Birth of Bloq: Simplifying the Complex
Founded in May 2024 alongside Jay Patel (a CERN-trained expert), Bloq was born out of a clear observation: enterprises want to use quantum computing, but they find the development process too fragmented and complex.
What Does Bloq Actually Do?
Bloq is essentially building the “low-code platform for quantum algorithms.” In simpler terms, if building a quantum algorithm today is like writing code in assembly language, Bloq wants to be the “Canva” or “Databricks” of the space—making it visual, accessible, and fast.
The Four Pillars of Quantum Technology
In his interview, Sreekuttan breaks down the field into four essential sectors that Bloq and other innovators are watching:
- Quantum Computing: Using quantum mechanics to solve problems classical computers cannot (Bloq’s primary focus).
- Quantum Sensing: Measuring gravity and magnetic fields with extreme precision for mining and healthcare.
- Quantum Communication: Creating unhackable encryption systems for the future of digital security.
- Quantum Materials: Developing high-efficiency batteries and next-gen display technologies.
Navigating the Indian Startup Ecosystem
Building a “Deep Tech” startup in India comes with its own set of hurdles. Sreekuttan notes that Indian investors have traditionally been cautious, often waiting for validation from Western markets before betting on high-risk technologies like quantum.
However, the tide is turning. Bloq recently secured ₹1.3 Crore in pre-seed funding led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). This funding serves as more than just capital; it is a validation of the “Quantum in India” story. With the Indian government’s National Quantum Mission (allocating ₹6,000 crore), the infrastructure for founders like Sreekuttan is finally reaching a critical mass.
Strategies for Global Impact
Bloq isn’t just looking at the domestic market. Sreekuttan has identified over 500 global enterprises—specifically in finance and defense—that are already experimenting with quantum.
- Hardware Agnostic: Bloq’s software is designed to run across various quantum hardware providers (like IBM or Rigetti), avoiding “vendor lock-in.”
- Talent Hub: Sreekuttan believes India has the strongest quantum talent pool globally. His goal is to make Bloq as synonymous with Quantum as OpenAI is with AI.
Advice for Aspiring Deep Tech Founders
Sreekuttan’s journey from a small town in Kerala to the forefront of a global tech revolution is a testament to the power of a “bias for action.” His advice to the next generation of founders is simple:
“The biggest risk today is not taking any risk at all. With AI and modern tools, the cost of testing an idea is lower than ever.”
He emphasizes that while a PhD isn’t required to start a quantum company, a deep understanding of the problem and a willingness to iterate through failure is non-negotiable.
Conclusion: The Five-Year Window
Sreekuttan predicts a “ChatGPT moment” for quantum computing within the next 2 to 5 years. As hardware reaches the milestone of 100+ useful logical qubits, the software layer—where Bloq operates—will become the most valuable real estate in the tech world.