National Quantum Mission

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The government will set up a coordination cell to implement the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a focus on establishing four technology hubs.

About

• The NQM is expected to set up four mission hubs in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
• It will essentially be a consortium of academia, research and development labs and industry.

Mission Coordination Cell (MCC)

• The MCC will be set up as acoordinating agency for the Mission and will work in coordination with the Mission Secretariat, DST.
• It will function under the overall supervision and guidance of Mission Technology Research Council (MTRC).

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

• The government approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
• Aim:To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
  • This will accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
• Objectives:The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
  • Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometers within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories.
  • Developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
  • It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices.
  • Single photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.
• Implementation:Setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains – Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
  • The hubs will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.
• Significance: NQM has the potential to elevate the country’s Technology Development ecosystem to a level of global competitiveness.
  • The Mission would greatly benefit various sectors including communication, health, financial, energy with applications in drug design, space, banking, security etc.
  • The Mission will also provide a huge boost to National priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).