India’s 1st quantum computer to be launched under National Quantum Mission

After a delay of nearly four years, the National Quantum Mission is set to take off with multiple initiatives including setting up a grant for start-ups.

About National Quantum Mission

• Implementing Body: The Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology will implement the National Quantum Mission.
• Funding and duration: Total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
• Objective: The mission aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D, creating a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
• Global Context: India becomes the seventh country to launch a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, and China.
• Focus Areas: The mission focuses on developing quantum technologies and applications (QTA) that will drive economic growth, nurture the technological ecosystem, and position India as a global leader in quantum technologies.

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Recent Developments

• Grant for Start-Ups: Establishing a grant to support start-ups with funding ranging from ₹10-50 crore.
• Quantum Computing Milestone: The mission launches India’s first quantum computer, aiming to achieve 6 qubits in computation within the next few months.
• Establishment of Section 8 Companies: Setting up four Section 8 companies under the mission, managed by premier institutes like the Indian Institute of Technology or the Indian Institute of Sciences.
• Verticals of Focus: The mission will set up four companies dedicated to advancing quantum technologies in computing, communication, measurement, and sensing.
• Budget Allocation: Developing a detailed plan to allocate nearly ₹6,000 crore for the mission.
• Proposal Submissions: Receiving around 385 proposals from scientists, institutes, and quantum start-ups for developing advanced quantum technologies.
• Operational Hubs: The mission’s hubs, run as independent Section 8 companies, will appoint their own CEOs to further develop quantum technologies in their respective areas.
• Focus Areas: Quantum computing and quantum communication are emerging as the most promising verticals, with significant advancements made independently by India.
• Previous Efforts: The Department of Science and Technology was investing into quantum computing even before announcing the mission as a part of its “Pre NQM” programme called the QuEST.
  • In another project, DRDO and TIFR have also been working on building a 6-qubit quantum computer.

Salient Features of NQM

• Quantum Computers Development: The mission’s target is to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits in 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years.
• Technological Advancements:
  • Magnetometers: Development of high-sensitivity magnetometers for precision timing, communications, and navigation (e.g., atomic clocks).
  • Quantum Materials: Support for the design and synthesis of quantum materials like superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for fabricating quantum devices.
• Quantum Communication:
  • Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations across 2000 km within India.
  • Long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries.
  • Inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km.
  • Multi-node quantum network with quantum memories.
• Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): Four T-Hubs will be established in top academic and National R&D institutes focusing on:
  • Quantum Computation
  • Quantum Communication
  • Quantum Sensing & Metrology
  • Quantum Materials & Device

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Significance of the Mission

• Enhancing Global Economic Position: The NQM will position India within the emerging economic landscape dominated by technologies like quantum computing, AI, IoT, and machine learning, helping the country align with new economic trends.
• Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation: By 2030, quantum technologies are expected to add $280-310 billion to India’s economy. The mission will foster job creation in R&D, quantum device manufacturing, and related sectors.
• Industry Advancement: The mission will invigorate various sectors, including aerospace, weather forecasting, simulations, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, health, agriculture, and education, enhancing the industrial ecosystem in India.
• Enhancing Security Infrastructure: The mission aims to secure communication and financial transactions through Quantum Key Distribution, thereby strengthening India’s security infrastructure.
• Supporting Socio-Economic Development: The mission will support national programs like Digital India, Make in India, and Sustainable Development Goals, complementing broader socio-economic development efforts.
• Optimizing Resources for Quantum Technology: It will focus on:
  • Developing infrastructure for new materials and devices through in-house R&D.
  • Integrating the diverse material workforce across India to meet mission goals.
  • Efficiently utilizing resources and avoiding duplication.
• Addressing Contemporary Challenges: The mission aims to provide innovative solutions to critical issues such as clean energy and affordable healthcare, addressing significant modern-age problems.

Challenges 

• Delayed Execution: The mission has faced delays, impacting progress and the timely achievement of objectives.
• Funding and Resource Allocation: Managing a substantial corpus and effectively allocating funds to diverse projects and start-ups is a complex task.
• Global Competition: India must compete with advanced quantum technology initiatives from leading nations like China and the US, requiring robust and accelerated development efforts.

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