The Union Cabinet on April 19 approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs 6,003.65 crore. The visionary project will be aimed at seeding, nurturing, and scaling up research and development in scientific and industrial sectors to set up a “vibrant and innovative ecosystem” in quantum technology. The Narendra Modi government believes that the NQM will help lead economic growth, develop the country’s quantum ecosystem, and position India as one the leading nations as the developer of quantum tech and applications.
Under this backdrop, there are certain areas that the Centre should ideally look at now, to not only help nurture developments in the quantum space but also develop use cases for the technology in various sectors.
What Is Quantum Computing?
There are computers. Then, there are more-powerful supercomputers. Finally, we have quantum computers which are specifically designed to tackle highly complex problems that even supercomputers struggle to resolve. When faced with intricate problems involving a large number of variables and high complexity, such as predicting the trillions of ways a protein can fold, a quantum computer is the ideal solution.
Unlike classical computers that use binary, which consists of 1s and 0s, to handle data and can only switch between these two variables, quantum computing creates multidimensional spaces — dubbed ‘qubits’ — that enable visualisation of the patterns linking individual data points. Using a quantum computer allows problem-solving using quantum algorithms, which can identify breakthrough patterns and solutions instead of only dealing with 1s or 0s.
While classical computers use bits to solve problems, quantum processors utilise qubits to execute multidimensional quantum algorithms.
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What Does National Quantum Mission Entail?
The recently announced initiative aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1,000 physical qubits over the course of eight years. The project will utilise a range of platforms, including superconducting and photonic technology, to achieve this goal.
Additionally, the mission aims to implement satellite-based secure quantum communication over a distance of 2,000 kilometres within India, enable long-distance secure quantum communication with other nations, facilitate inter-city quantum key distribution over 2,000 kilometres, and establish a multi-node quantum network with quantum-scale memories.
The mission is also geared towards the development of high-sensitivity magnetometers in atomic systems, as well as atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
Furthermore, the initiative will facilitate the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the purpose of fabricating quantum devices.
The development of single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications is also a focus of the initiative.
To facilitate the project, four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be established in top academic and National R&D institutes. These hubs will specialise in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
The primary focus of T-Hubs will be to generate new knowledge through basic and applied research, as well as promote R&D in their respective areas of expertise.
Which Quantum Sectors Should India Focus On Now?
From quantum security to quantum education, there are several areas the Centre should look at now that the NQM has seen the light of day.
According to Nikhil Malhotra, Global Head, Makers Lab, Tech Mahindra, quantum keys are already secure from hacking attacks. “However, there needs to be a fundamental change at the network level for infrastructure and hardware devices that generate these keys,” he told ABP Live. “This is an area which must be looked into for defence-based installations.”
Quantum machine learning, according to Malhotra, can be leveraged in the following areas:
- Drug discovery and chemical simulations
- Satellite placements to ensure safety against space debris and other satellites
- Weather analysis by simulating and alleviating the rise of global temperature
- Diffuse terrorist networks
Quantum sensing, which can be leveraged to sense and predict earthquakes and other geological events, is another area that can be focused on.
Malhotra stressed the need for deeper penetration of quantum education. “In order to make India the hub of quantum, there must be a focus on imparting and improving education across all levels,” he added.