Union Cabinet gives nod for ₹6,003 crore Quantum Mission

Last Updated21/04/2023

The Union Cabinet approved the ₹6,003 crore National Quantum Mission (NQM)
It will fund research and development of quantum computing technology and associated applications.

These are a work in progress globally and exploit properties of the atom, which are only explainable by the principles of quantum mechanics.
Just like bits (1 and 0) are the basic units by which computers process information, ‘qubits’ or ‘quantum bits’ are the units of process by quantum computers.
These are a reliable class of computers that work several times faster than the speediest machines of today
They also facilitate exponentially secure communication networks, with wide applications.

The plan involves developing “intermediate scale” quantum computers with 20-50 physical ‘qubits’ in three years, 50-100 physical qubits in five years and 50-1,000 physical qubits in eight years.
Other deliverables of the mission include developing “satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2,000 kilometres within India
Development of long distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2,000 km as well as multi-node quantum network with quantum memories

The mission will help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems, atomic clocks for precision timing, communications and navigation.
Fabrication of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for fabrication of quantum devices.
Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) would be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes
The domains of hubs will be ‘quantum computing’, ‘quantum communication’, ‘quantum sensing and metrology’ and ‘quantum materials and devices’
The hubs will focus on the generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them

Only six countries so far have some capability in this domain. This mission will bring India to the forefront along with them, and India can be a world leader