National Quantum Mission

Context

?   The government will set up a coordination cell to implement the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a focus on establishing four technology hubs.

About

?   The NQM is expected to set up four mission hubs in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.

?   It will essentially be a consortium of academia,           research and development labs and industry.

Mission Coordination Cell (MCC)

?   The MCC will be set up as a coordinating agency for the Mission and will work in coordination with the Mission Secretariat, DST.

?   It will function under the overall supervision and guidance of Mission Technology Research Council (MTRC).

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

?   The government approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023 from 2023-24 to 2030-31.

?   Aim: To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).

?   This will accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).

?   Objectives: The Mission objectives include     developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.

?   Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometers within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories.

?   Developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.

?   It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices.

?   Single   photon sources/detectors,and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.

?   Implementation: Setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains – Quantum Computing,Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.

?   The hubs will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.

Significance:

NQM has the potential to elevate the country’s Technology Development ecosystem to a level of global competitiveness.