India’s deep tech scientific missions all set for quantum jump

So far, advanced quantum computing has been attempted only by a handful of developed nations, such as the US, Germany, France and Japan.

China is the only developing nation to be working on advanced quantum technology. China stepped into the race in 2008 and boasts of high-end quantum tech-based satellite capabilities and super computers.

ET Online

India has taken three years to finetune its mission plan and will have the challenges of scaling it up by involving the private sector, which are key global players on quantum R&D and applications.

Top global firms, such as Google, Microsoft and IBM, are already running quantum R&D programmes and many Indian start-ups have also come into the field.

An overarching national policy framework is, however, missing. ET gathers that the mission is lined up for the Union Cabinet’s approval, which is expected very soon.

It is envisaged that India’s mission will have four verticals: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensors and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.

Quantum capabilities are identified as a key frontier for new technology development across a large spectrum – from routine functioning of business firms to national security applications. It is of immense strategic significance given its applications in cryptography, communications and prediction assessments, officials in the know told ET.

The mission will be steered by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and will have close engagement with Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Defence Research and Development Organisation, telecom as well as top educational institutes, it is gathered.

The PM’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council had said that building excellence in the space is ‘essential for national security and the development of quantum computers, quantum chemistry, quantum communication, new materials, quantum sensors and quantum cryptography’.

The 2020 budget had promised a ₹8,000 crore allocation for the mission, with 21 hubs and four research parks. DST has also set up a quantum-enabled science and technology research program to boost research in the field.