India Advances Quantum Tech with National Quantum Mission and Task Force for Secure Digital Networks
India's National Quantum Mission, launched in April 2023, is developing quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials technology across academia, research institutions, startups, and industry. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) formed a multi-sectoral Task Force to design a quantum-safe network to protect the nation's digital economy and assets. Significant support for capacity building and indigenous hardware development is underway to boost India's quantum technology ecosystem.
The National Quantum Mission (NQM), initiated by India's Department of Science and Technology in April 2023 with a budget of approximately Rs 6000 crore, aims to build a comprehensive quantum technology ecosystem focused on four pillars: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. Key research activities include quantum sensing development at IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur, quantum communication at IIT Madras, and collaboration with strategic organizations such as DRDO and ISRO. Startups, notably Bengaluru-based QpiAI, are advancing quantum computing hardware, planning to scale qubit count significantly over the coming years. The DST plans to support 75 government and private engineering colleges to establish quantum technology teaching labs, fostering human resource development, including training educators and researchers in quantum algorithms with applications in fields like drug discovery and material science. To address cybersecurity risks from increasing digital transactions, especially via the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), a multi-sectoral Task Force has been constituted to design an indigenous quantum-safe digital network framework, engaging banks, regulators, telecom players, and academia. This initiative seeks to safeguard India's digital economy against cyber fraud and organized attacks by deploying quantum technologies. Overall, the NQM represents a strategic effort to establish India as a global leader in quantum technologies by promoting indigenous innovation, hardware development, academic and startup engagement, and addressing national security and economic challenges through advanced quantum applications.
