The mission has been approved for a time period from 2023-24 to 2030-31 and aims to foster and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and develop an innovative ecosystem in quantum technology
Indian union cabinet approves the National Quantum Mission with a total cost of INR60bn. (Credit: Pete Linforth from Pixabay)
The Indian union cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) which entails a total cost of INR60bn ($730m) in a move to scale up scientific and industrial research and development (R&D) for quantum technologies.
The mission has been approved for a time period from 2023-24 to 2030-31 and aims to foster and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and develop an innovative ecosystem in quantum technology (QT).
With the National Quantum Mission, India aims to expedite quantum technology-led economic growth and position itself as a dominant nation in the development of quantum technologies and applications (QTA).
In eight years, the government seeks to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in eight years in multiple platforms including superconducting and photonic technology.
The mission also aims to deliver satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2,000km within India.
Long distance secure quantum communications with other countries and inter-city quantum key distribution over 2,000km along with multi-node quantum network with quantum memories are also expected from the National Quantum Mission.
Besides, the mission will develop magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
Furthermore, the National Quantum Mission will facilitate the design and synthesis of quantum materials including novel semiconductor structures, superconductors and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices.
For use in quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications, single photon sources and detectors as well as entangled photon sources are also expected to be created.
The government also plans to establish four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes on the domains of quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and metrology and quantum materials and devices.
The Union Cabinet stated: “NQM can take the technology development eco-system in the country to a globally competitive level. The mission would greatly benefit communication, health, financial and energy sectors as well as drug design, and space applications.
“It will 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).”