- Objective: After a delay of nearly four years, the National Quantum Mission is set to advance India's quantum technologies across four key verticals: quantum computing, communication, measurement and sensing.
- Funding & Structure: The mission has been allocated nearly ₹6,000 crore, with plans to establish four Section 8 companies under the aegis of premier institutions like IITs and IISc. These companies will spearhead activities across the identified verticals.
About National Quantum Mission (NQM):
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a visionary initiative (2023) led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to fortify India’s research and development in the quantum domain.
- Over the next eight years (2023-2031), the mission aims to pioneer the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits using cutting-edge platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
- Quantum communication: It seeks to establish satellite-based secure quantum communications. It spans a range of 2000 km within India and extends to other countries. It seeks to develop highly sensitive magnetometers in atomic systems and precision atomic clocks for timing, communications, and Navigation.
- Quantum materials development: It will provide crucial support for the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials to fabricate advanced quantum devices.
- Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): To catalyze research and development, four T-Hubs will be instituted in premier academic and national research and development institutes, with a focus on igniting new knowledge through fundamental and applied research, as well as driving R&D activities forward.
- Applications: It will find utility across diverse sectors including healthcare, diagnostics, defence, energy and data security.
How do quantum computers work?
- Quantum computing uses the qubit as the basic unit of information rather than the conventional bit.
- The main characteristic of this alternative system is that it permits the coherent superposition of ones and zeros, the digits of the binary system around which all computing revolves.
