National Quantum Mission: India's Quantum Leap

As technology continues to shape the future, India is embracing the potential of emerging fields with the launch of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a major initiative by the Government of India to propel the nation to the forefront of quantum technology research and development.

Quantum computers use special units called qubits to store and process information.
- Unlike regular computers, where bits can only be 0 or 1, qubits can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.
This ability to be in multiple states at once makes quantum computers different and potentially much more powerful than traditional ones.
Many countries are actively working on quantum computing and other quantum technologies, and India has a great opportunity to make significant contributions.

NQM is one of the nine initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC), aimed at positioning India as a global leader in quantum technology.
NQM will nurture advancements in secure quantum communication, quantum computing and precision sensing.
NQM is poised to transform sectors such as telecommunications, defence, finance, clean energy, climate change, job creation and healthcare; bringing a profound societal impact.

Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 20-50 physical qubits (3 years), 50-100 physical qubits (5 years), and 50-1000 physical qubits (8 years) across platforms like superconducting and photonic technologies to advance computational capabilities.
Establish satellite-enabled quantum-secured communication between two ground stations over 2000 km within India and extend this technology for long-distance secure quantum communication with other countries.
Implement quantum-secured communication using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), trusted nodes and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) on existing optical fibre infrastructure, enhancing secure data transmission.
Develop a multi-node quantum network incorporating quantum memories, entanglement swapping, and synchronized quantum repeaters at each node, enabling scalable and robust quantum communication.
Design highly sensitive quantum devices including magnetometers, gravity sensors and atomic clocks for precision timing, navigation, and secure communication.
Develop next-generation quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of qubits, single-photon sources/detectors, entangled photon sources, and quantum sensing/metrological devices for applications in computing and communication.

Each T-Hub will follow the Hub-Spoke-Spike model, fostering a cluster-based network where research projects (Spokes) and individual research groups (Spikes) operate alongside central hubs.
This structure enhances collaboration among research institutions, allowing them to share resources and expertise more effectively.
Women scientists are encouraged to participate and benefit from the mission’s programs.
The 4 T-Hubs involve 152 researchers from 43 institutions nationwide, fostering a collaborative ecosystem to drive research and innovation.

Quantum-Safe Ecosystem Framework: A concept paper has been developed to frame a strategic roadmap for securing and strengthening India’s digital infrastructure against quantum threats.
DRDO Initiatives: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is heading projects focused on designing quantum-resilient security schemes, quantum-safe symmetric and asymmetric key cryptographic algorithms.
SETS Initiatives: The Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS), under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), is accelerating Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) research.
- It has implemented PQC algorithms for applications such as Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) authentication tokens and Internet of Things (IoT) security.
C-DoT Innovations: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has developed cutting-edge solutions, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and Quantum Secure Video IP Phones.

The NQM has the potential to transform the country’s technology development ecosystem, making it globally competitive.
It will drive advancements across key sectors such as communication, healthcare, finance, energy with applications in drug discovery, space exploration, banking, cybersecurity etc.
NQM will play a crucial role in advancing national initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-Reliant India, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

National Quantum Mission: India’s Quantum Leap