The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was endorsed today by the Union Cabinet under the aegis of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with a total outlay of Rs. 6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
The mission will have three overarching objectives: to foster, nurture, and advance scientific and industrial research and development in quantum technology (QT), to build a dynamic and innovative QT ecosystem, and to bolster the country's QT-driven economic growth while establishing India as one of the leading quantum technology and application (QTA) hubs worldwide.
The program will prioritize the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers containing 50-1000 physical qubits in various platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology over the next eight years.
Among the deliverables of the mission are satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations within India over a 2000-kilometer range, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km, as well as a multi-node Quantum network with quantum memories.
The mission will also spearhead the creation of high-sensitivity magnetometers in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation. The design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for quantum device fabrication will also be supported. Single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources will be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.
To foster the creation of new knowledge and promote R&D in areas under their purview, four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) will be established in leading academic and national R&D institutes, including Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices.
NQM has the potential to catapult India's technology development ecosystem to global competitiveness. The initiative is poised to significantly benefit communication, health, finance, energy, drug design, and space applications. Furthermore, it will provide a substantial boost to national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).