Quantum computing is emerging as the next big frontier in technology, promising to revolutionize computing, communication, and cryptography. India, under the leadership of Shri. Narendra Modi has taken a giant leap forward by launching India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional program aimed at developing indigenous quantum technologies and building a robust quantum ecosystem in the country. In this blog, we will discuss the India Quantum Mission in detail and its potential impact on the future of technology.
The NQM has been allocated a budget of INR 6,000 crore ($730 million) over a period of 2023-24 to 2030-31, making it one of the largest government-funded programs for quantum research in the world. The mission is being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with various academic institutions, research labs, and industry partners. The National Quantum Mission is going to give India a quantum jump in this arena. India will be the seventh country to have a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, and China,”
What is India’s National Quantum Mission?
The India’s National Quantum Mission is a national initiative launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with various academic and research institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). The program aims to foster research and development in quantum technology, build a quantum computing and communication infrastructure, and develop a skilled workforce in the field of quantum technology.
The mission has identified four key areas of focus, namely quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum devices, and quantum applications. The mission aims to develop indigenous technologies in these areas and create a quantum ecosystem in India that can support research, development, and innovation in quantum technology.
Why is India’s National Quantum Mission Important?
Quantum technology is expected to transform various industries, including finance, healthcare, energy, and defense. Quantum computing, in particular, has the potential to solve complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers. For example, quantum computers can efficiently solve problems related to optimization, cryptography, and simulation, which are critical for applications such as drug discovery, weather forecasting, and financial modeling.
India has a strong tradition in basic science and mathematics and is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions. However, India has lagged in the field of quantum technology, with countries like the United States, China, and Canada leading the way. The India Quantum Mission aims to change this by investing in research and development and creating an ecosystem that can support innovation in quantum technology.
The mission has the potential to create a vibrant quantum technology industry in India, which can attract investment and create high-skilled jobs. It can also provide a boost to India’s scientific and technological capabilities, which can have a spillover effect on other industries and sectors.
India’s National Quantum Mission catering the real vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat
The India’s National Quantum Mission has the potential to boost India’s economy and realize the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by;
Building a Strong Quantum Ecosystem: The IQM aims to build a robust quantum ecosystem in India that can support research, development, and innovation in quantum technology. This includes developing a skilled workforce, creating a testbed infrastructure for quantum technologies, and supporting startups and industries in the field of quantum technology. A strong quantum ecosystem can create high-skilled jobs, attract investment, and provide a boost to India’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Developing Indigenous Technologies: The IQM aims to develop indigenous technologies in the areas of quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum devices, and quantum applications. Developing indigenous technologies can reduce India’s dependence on foreign technologies and strengthen its self-reliance. It can also create opportunities for technology transfer and export of quantum technologies.
Fostering International Collaboration: The IQM aims to foster international collaboration in the field of quantum technology by collaborating with leading institutions and researchers around the world. This can enable India to leverage the expertise of leading researchers and institutions and collaborate on cutting-edge research projects. International collaboration can also create opportunities for technology transfer and joint research projects that can benefit India’s economy.
Developing Applications: The IQM aims to develop practical applications of quantum technology that can have a positive impact on society. This includes developing applications in the areas of healthcare, finance, energy, and defence. Developing applications can create new business opportunities, improve productivity, and enhance the quality of life.
Attracting Investment: The IQM has the potential to attract investment in the field of quantum technology. A strong quantum ecosystem, indigenous technologies, and practical applications can create attractive opportunities for investment. The IQM can also create opportunities for public-private partnerships that can leverage the strengths of both the government and the private sector.
The success of the NQM can lead to the creation of a vibrant quantum technology industry in India, which can attract investment, create high-skilled jobs, and contribute to India’s economic growth and self-reliance in its amrit kaal.
Author : Priyansh B. Pathak
Author Description : Priyansh Pathak pursued B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering at Navrachana University, India, followed by an MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering with a specialization in VLSI & Embedded Systems at the University of Michigan, USA. He worked as a Quantum Computing Applications Researcher at IBM, collaborating with industry partners in the IBM Q Network to develop quantum solutions. Currently, he is a research associate & Ph.D. student at The UT Southwestern Medical Center, focusing on innovative methods for monitoring and controlling tumor perfusion, vascular permeability, and drug delivery using sound waves.
Disclaimer : The views, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this blogs belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of author’s employer, organisation, committee or any other group or individual.
