INDIA'S QUANTUM AMBITIONS TAKE SHAPE

India's National Quantum Mission, a 2023 initiative launched with the aim of developing intermediate-scale quantum computers, is progressing well. But going forward, it needs to address key challenges of limited skilled workforce, funding gaps, and a lack of industry participation By Rohit Chintapali

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IN APRIL 2023, when the Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a Rs 6,003-crore budget outlay, it wasn’t merely funding research — it was declaring the country’s intentions in perhaps the most consequential technological race of the 21st century.

“Our vision was initially to establish four thematic hubs across the country, each working independently and empowered to make decisions. In IISc, Bengaluru, we've set up the Computing Thematic Hub (T-Hub), whilethe Sensing and Metrology T-Hub resides in IIT Mumbai. IIT Madras houses the Communication T-Hub, and IIT Delhi hosts the Materials and Devices T-Hub. All of these are Section 8 companies, with the autonomy to make decisions within the framework we've set,” says Ajai Chowdhry, Founder, HCL and Chairman, Mission Governing Board, NQM India.

“Each hub has short, medium and long-term goals focussed on turning research into tangible products. This isn’t just research for the sake of research, but research with purpose—we want to create products that make a real difference,” he adds.

In January 2024, NQM invited applications for participation and over 300 applied. Thisled to the formation of nearly 80 collaborations with institutes and researchers, each contributing to the hubs across the nation. Additionally, the NQM set up a Coordination Centre at IIT Kanpur’s Noida campus, to oversee progress and ensure that the plan remains on track with the strategy laid out.