Why is it in the News?

The government will set up a coordination cell to implement the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a focus on establishing four technology hubs in the format of consortia of academia, research and development labs and industry.

What is the National Quantum Mission (NQM)?

• The National Quantum Mission (NQM) will assist India take a giant leap into the future of technology.
• India has entered the ranks of the select few nations actively pursuing the advancement of quantum technology by establishing this programme.
• In 2023, the government sanctioned the National Quantum Mission (NQM), spanning from 2023-24 to 2030-31, with the following key features:
• The mission aims to initiate, foster, and amplify scientific and industrial research and development in Quantum Technology (QT), establishing a dynamic and innovative ecosystem.
  • Its ultimate goal is to propel quantum technology-led economic growth, foster the QT ecosystem, and position India as a leading nation in the field of Quantum Technologies & Applications.
• It willl be implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.

Key Objectives:

• Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits across platforms like superconducting and photonic technology within eight years.
  • Implement satellite-based secure quantum communications over a 2000-kilometre range within India, ensuring long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries.
  • Establish inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km and multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories.
  • Develop highly sensitive magnetometers in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
  • Support the design and synthesis of quantum materials like superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for quantum device fabrication.
  • Develop single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for applications in quantum communications, sensing, and metrology.

Implementation:

• The mission involves the establishment of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in leading academic and National R&D institutes, focusing on Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices.
  • These hubs will concentrate on generating new knowledge through basic and applied research and promote R&D in their respective domains.

Significance:

• NQM has the potential to elevate India's Technology Development ecosystem to global competitiveness.
  • It is expected to significantly benefit various sectors such as communication, health, finance, and energy, with applications ranging from drug design to space, banking, and security.
  • The mission aligns with national priorities, including Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, and Start-up India, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
• With the launch of this mission, India will be the seventh country to have a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada and China.

What is Quantum Technology?

• The term "quantum technology" is used to describe the research and development of techniques to build supercomputers with enhanced speed, security, and efficiency in data processing above conventional computers.
• Quantum mechanics, which governs the behaviour of subatomic particles, is used to design these novel systems.
• The peculiar characteristics of subatomic particles are the key to quantum technology's capabilities in processing massive quantities of information concurrently.