Speaking at the second episode of Level Up with Gameskraft, quantum technology pioneer and founder of Pramatra Space, Richa Hukumchand shared her extraordinary journey from defense radar systems to pioneering quantum cybersecurity solutions. Her talk illuminated how a "boundaryless attitude" and fearless career pivots led her to tackle one of technology's most pressing challenges: protecting our digital world from the quantum computing revolution.
Richa's story is one of continuous reinvention, scientific curiosity, and the urgent mission to future-proof global cybersecurity infrastructure.
The Power of Boundaryless Thinking
Richa opened by defining herself as "a creative person and a scientist at heart," emphasizing her relentless pursuit of learning that has driven multiple career pivots every two years over her 20-year journey. What sets her apart is her refusal to be confined by traditional boundaries. She's building cutting-edge quantum technology without a PhD, proving that "fearless thinking and boundaryless attitude" can overcome conventional limitations. This philosophy became her superpower during a challenging three-year maternity break, when instead of restricting herself to defense work, she learned AI and emerged stronger, eventually founding a quantum tech company that's now developing globally innovative photonics chips.
From Defense Innovation to Quantum Revolution
Richa has worked for a decade at DRDO, not just building radar systems, but also working on air defense systems that were tested in recent conflicts, including the Prithvi and Akash defense systems. This deep experience with sensitive infrastructure gave her unique insights into security vulnerabilities.
Her quantum awakening came through the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to three scientists who proved quantum entanglement using optics. This moment became her "sign", the convergence of her research interests and a globally recognized breakthrough that convinced her quantum entanglement was her calling, leading to the development of photonics chips that could revolutionize cybersecurity.
Confronting the Quantum Threat
Richa didn't mince words about the impending cybersecurity catastrophe: quantum computers will render current encryption methods like RSA obsolete, allowing hackers to break into any system "within a few minutes."
She highlighted the emergence of "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" (HNDL) attacks, where bad actors are already stealing encrypted data to decrypt it later with quantum computers. This isn't theoretical. Singapore's Monetary Authority has already declared organizations must move away from RSA encryption. Her analogy was stark: when quantum attacks begin, demand for quantum-safe security will be "like a COVID vaccine", urgent and non-negotiable.
Building Security as Cultural DNA
Beyond technology, Richa emphasized that security must become organizational culture, not an afterthought. She revealed shocking statistics like leaked personal data of 7.5 million Boat customers on the dark web for just ₹135, illustrating how breaches happen due to inadequate security awareness.
Her prescription includes mandatory security training, dedicated Chief Security Officers, and making security clearance a prerequisite for product releases. She stressed that in our hyper-connected world, where we casually grant app permissions and reuse passwords, "building security as a culture and foundation" is no longer optional, it's survival.
Trust: The Ultimate Currency
Richa's closing message centered on trust as business's most valuable asset. In entertainment and gaming particularly, where user engagement is everything, a single security breach can destroy brand reputation permanently. Her advice was clear: implement robust safety structures and compliance frameworks not just for protection, but to preserve the "pure entertainment" purpose that drives user loyalty. Trust, once broken by a security incident, is nearly impossible to rebuild, making proactive quantum-safe security not just a technical necessity but a business imperative.
Level Up Lessons for Krafters
Richa Hukumchand's quantum-focused insights offer Krafters essential guidance for Gameskraft's security-first approach in real-money gaming. Her emphasis on building security as organizational culture and preparing for quantum threats provides a roadmap for protecting player trust and sensitive financial data. Her "boundaryless attitude" toward innovation also exemplifies the fearless thinking needed to push Gameskraft's technological boundaries while maintaining the unshakeable security standards that player confidence demands.
