THE Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on April 19 this year at a total cost of Rs6,003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
This will accelerate QT-led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
Mission objectives
The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in eight years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2,000 kilometers within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, intercity quantum key distribution over 2,000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories are also some of the deliverables of the Mission.
The NQM will focus on developing 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 material for the fabrication of quantum devices. Single photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.
Mission Implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and national R&D institutes in the domains – Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing &Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices. The hubs will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.
NQM has the potential to elevate the country’s Technology Development ecosystem to a level of global competitiveness. The Mission would greatly benefit various sectors including communication, health, finance, energy with applications in drug design, space, banking, security etc. The Mission will also provide a huge boost to National priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
