/prod-the-processor/media/agency_attachments/EB8E9EAMaN2KqoFW4QbL.png)
/prod-the-processor/media/media_files/3lnOmDiezZhEcf2ZBvDu.jpeg)
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the National Quantum Mission, a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing frontier technologies related to quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. With an investment of Rs 6,003 crore, the eight-year mission will involve collaborations between research institutions and industries across four verticals, including quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and developing novel materials and devices that support these core programs.
India's Quantum Leap in Quantum Technologies
Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the National Quantum Mission would propel India into the forefront of quantum technologies, making it the seventh country in the world to have a dedicated quantum mission, joining the ranks of the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, and China. Singh added that while these countries are also in the research and development stage of quantum technology, India aims to be at par with them regarding technological applications.
Collaborative Approach for Quantum Technology Advancement
Urbasi Sinha, a professor at Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru and one of the key contributors to the National Quantum Mission, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach backed by sustained funding to pursue the complexity of quantum technology. Sinha, who heads the quantum information and computing laboratory at RRI and collaborates with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the country's first government-funded project on satellite-based long-distance quantum communications, highlighted that the mission was originally planned in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic.
Objectives of the National Quantum Mission
The National Quantum Mission has set several objectives to drive quantum technology advancements in India. One of the key deliverables is achieving long-distance quantum communication across a 2000 km gap using satellites or fibers while establishing a quantum communication network. This would require the establishment of multiple ground stations within India and abroad. Additionally, the mission aims to make significant progress in quantum computing by developing 50 physical qubits initially, with a goal to eventually develop up to 1,000 qubits. India's current achievement in quantum computing is limited to developing 2-3 qubits in a superconducting platform, while IBM has already developed 430 qubits and aims to achieve 1,000 qubits by 2023.
Advancing Quantum Materials and Devices
The National Quantum Mission also emphasizes the development of novel materials and devices to support quantum technologies. This includes the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices. The mission also aims to develop single photon sources or detectors and entangled photon sources for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.
Potential Impacts and Benefits of the National Quantum Mission
The National Quantum Mission has the potential to impact a wide range of sectors, including communication, health, finance, energy, drug design, and space applications. The advancements in quantum technologies are expected to significantly benefit national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Investment in Quantum Technologies in India
The National Quantum Mission comes four years after the Indian government announced the Rs 3,660 crore National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems in December 2018. However, it is not clear what milestones have been achieved in the five-year mission, which is set to end in December 2023. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her 2020 Budget speech that India would invest Rs 8,000 crore over the next five years in the National Mission on Quantum Technology or the QuEST program.