The Union Cabinet, chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the National Quantum Mission (NQM), an initiative aimed at scaling up scientific and industrial R&D for quantum technologies. With a total budget of Rs. 6003.65 crores from 2023-24 to 2030-31, the mission seeks to foster a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT) to accelerate economic growth in this field and position India as a leading nation in Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
The NQM’s objectives include the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits using platforms like superconducting and photonic technology within 8 years. It also aims to establish secure quantum communications between ground stations and countries over significant distances, along with inter-city quantum key distribution and multi-node Quantum networks.
The mission will contribute to the advancement of various quantum technologies, including magnetometers with high sensitivity, atomic clocks for precision timing, quantum materials synthesis, and quantum devices fabrication. Moreover, it will focus on creating single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for communication, sensing, and metrology applications.
To facilitate research and development, four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be established in prominent academic and National R&D institutes, each dedicated to Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices.
The NQM is poised to elevate India’s technology development ecosystem to global competitiveness and will have far-reaching impacts in fields such as communication, health, finance, energy, drug design, and space applications. It aligns with crucial national priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and self-reliant India initiatives.
