INDIA: On April 20, 2023, the Indian government approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to promote research and development in quantum technology. This mission is expected to boost the Indian economy by leveraging quantum technology and will help India become a global leader in this field.
Overview of the Mission
The National Quantum Mission will run from 2023–24 to 2030–31 and has a budget of Rs 6,003.65 crore. It is the sixth such mission in the world, following those of the US, Austria, Finland, France, and China.
The mission’s main goal is to build medium-scale quantum computers with 50–1000 physical qubits on a variety of platforms, including superconducting and photonics.
The goal of the mission is to develop several quantum technology-based applications, such as satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a distance of 2000 km within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over a distance of 2000 km, and multi-node quantum networks with quantum memories.
Objectives of the Mission
The National Quantum Mission has a number of goals, including creating atomic clocks for precise time, communications, and navigation, as well as magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems.
The mission will also concentrate on the design and synthesis of innovative semiconductor architectures, topological materials, and superconductors for the production of quantum devices.
In addition, the project will create entangled photon sources, single photon sources, and detectors for use in quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.
Thematic Hubs
Four theme centres (T-centres) will be established in prestigious academic and national research and development institutions to help the National Quantum Mission reach its goals.
These hubs will focus on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
The hubs will conduct research in their respective fields, promote R&D, and generate new knowledge through basic and applied research.
Benefits of the Mission
Several industries, including communication, health, banking, energy, drug development, and space applications, are anticipated to gain from the National Quantum Mission.
National goals including Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) will all receive a big boost from the mission. The mission will also create job opportunities in various fields related to quantum technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Quantum Mission is a significant step towards developing and scaling up research and development in quantum technology. The mission aims to leverage quantum technology to boost the Indian economy and make India a global leader in this field.
With the establishment of T-Hubs and the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers and other quantum technology, the mission is expected to make the technology development ecosystem in the country globally competitive.
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