India's Cabinet Gives Green Light to National Quantum Mission

India approves the National Quantum Mission with a total cost of Rs. 6003.65 cr to promote scientific and industrial R&D in Quantum Technology, aiming to make India a leading nation in quantum technologies and applications, boosting national priorities.

What is National Quantum Mission?

India's National Quantum Mission is a program established by the Government of India in September 2020 with the aim of promoting research, development, and innovation in the field of quantum technology.

The mission is a part of India's larger strategy to become a global leader in advanced technologies, and it focuses on developing and harnessing quantum technologies in various sectors, such as communications, computing, cybersecurity, and defense.

The mission also aims to create a strong workforce in the field of quantum technology by providing training and support to researchers, students, and entrepreneurs. It is expected that the National Quantum Mission will contribute significantly to India's technological advancement and its goal of becoming a global leader in science and technology.

Objectives of NQM

The NQM aims to develop intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. The mission also targets satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometres within India. Long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries and inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km are also part of the mission's deliverables.

The mission will also help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation. It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices. Single photon sources/detectors, entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.

T-Hubs for Quantum Technology

The National Quantum Mission will set up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains of Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices. The hubs will focus on generating new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promoting R&D in areas that are mandated to them.

Benefits of NQM

The NQM will take the technology development eco-system in India to a globally competitive level. It will greatly benefit communication, health, financial and energy sectors as well as drug design, and space applications. It will provide a huge boost to National priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The National Quantum Mission will help accelerate quantum technology-led economic growth and leverage India into a leading nation in the area. It will nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of quantum technologies and applications. The mission will also provide a huge boost to National priorities and greatly benefit various sectors, making India a quantum-ready nation.