Itihaasa, a non-profit organization, has recently released an assessment of India’s National Quantum Mission.
Overview of the National Quantum Mission:
Basics:
- Approval: The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in April 2023.
- Budget: The mission is funded with a total cost of ₹6000 crores from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
- Aim: To foster a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Quantum
Technology (QT) by seeding, nurturing, and scaling up scientific and industrial R&D.
Objectives:
- Quantum Computers: Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits within 8 years using platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology.
- Quantum Communication: Establish satellite-based secure quantum communications over a range of 2000 kilometers within India.
- Long-Distance Communication: Facilitate secure quantum communications with other countries.
- Quantum Key Distribution: Implement inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 kilometers.
- Quantum Networks: Create multi-node quantum networks with quantum memories.
Focus Areas:
- Magnetometers: Develop high-sensitivity magnetometers in atomic systems.
- Atomic Clocks: Create atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
- Quantum Materials: Support the design and synthesis of quantum materials like superconductors and novel semiconductor
structures for quantum device fabrication. - Photon Sources/Detectors: Develop single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for quantum
- communications, sensing, and metrology.
Overview:
Itihaasa’s assessment indicates that India made a strategic move by launching the ₹6000 crore National Quantum Mission,
aligning with global efforts in developing future technologies.
Implementation:
Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): Establish four T-Hubs in top academic and National R&D institutes focusing on:
- Quantum Computing
- Quantum Communication
- Quantum Sensing & Metrology
- Quantum Materials & Devices
Impact & Significance:
- Global Competitiveness: Elevate the country’s technology development ecosystem to a globally competitive level.
- Sector Benefits: Enhance various sectors such as communication, health, finance, and energy, with applications in drug design, space, banking, and security.
- National Priorities: Boost national initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Assessment Report of National Quantum Mission:
Findings:
Global Positioning: India is one of 17 countries with a dedicated government program for quantum technologies and one of 12
with separate investments in this field.
Spending Comparison:
- India: USD 0.75 billion
- China: USD 15 billion
- United States: USD 3.75 billion
- Patents and Publications: India lags behind the United States and China in obtaining patents and publishing in top journals.
Research Workforce:
- Principal Investigators: 110-145 researchers
- Post-docs: 75-100
- PhD Students: 300-400
- MTech Students: 50-100
- Graduate Production: India produces the highest number of graduates in areas related to quantum technologies.