Overview
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to position India among the global leaders in quantum technologies. For FY 2024‑25 four Thematic Hubs (T‑Hubs) were set up, each headed by an IIT or IISc. Maharashtra’s premier institutes – IIT Bombay, IISER Pune and TIFR Mumbai – feature as lead or partner institutions, contributing to research, capacity building, start‑ups and women‑focused fellowships.
Key Developments (FY 2024‑25)
- Four T‑Hubs operational: Quantum Computing (IISc Bengaluru), Quantum Communications (IIT Madras), Quantum Sensing (IIT Bombay) and Quantum Materials (IIT Delhi).
- 14 Technical Groups and 17 Project Teams involve 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 states and 2 UTs.
- Funding approved for Maharashtra institutions: ₹30.61 cr (IISER Pune), ₹558.76 cr (IIT Bombay) and ₹71.03 cr (TIFR Mumbai).
- Start‑up support: QuPrayog Pvt. Ltd. (Maharashtra) received seed funding under the rolling call.
- Women participation: eight women researchers awarded fellowships (three from Maharashtra) and ≈220 women trained in quantum science.
- VNIT Nagpur selected for Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories in Quantum Technologies.
Important Facts & Deliverables
The mission outlines three implementation phases – 3, 5 and 8 years – with ambitious technical targets:
- Intermediate‑scale quantum computers with 20‑50 physical qubits (3 yr), 50‑100 qubits (5 yr) and 50‑1000 qubits (8 yr).
- Satellite‑based secure Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over 2000 km within India and with other countries.
- Inter‑city QKD over existing fibre using wavelength‑division multiplexing.
- Multi‑node quantum network with quantum memories, entanglement swapping and repeaters (2‑3 nodes).
- Quantum sensors: magnetometers with 1 fT/√Hz sensitivity (atomic) and <1 pT/√Hz (NV‑centre); gravity sensors <100 nm/s²; atomic clocks with 10⁻¹⁹ fractional instability.
- Design of novel quantum materials – superconductors, topological semiconductors – for devices.
Specific outputs from the Quantum Sensing & Metrology Hub (IIT Bombay) include three prototypes: Portable Magnetometer, Quantum Diamond Microscope and Nano‑positioner. Maharashtra research groups have produced ≈10 publications and trained ≈500 participants in quantum technologies.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding the NQM is crucial for GS‑3 (Science & Technology) and GS‑2 (Polity) as it illustrates:
- How the government leverages large‑scale funding (₹6003.65 cr) to build a strategic technology ecosystem.
- Inter‑institutional collaboration through T‑Hubs, a model for coordinated R&D.
- Women’s participation – fellowships, training and start‑up support – aligning with gender‑inclusion goals in the National Education Policy.
- Strategic implications for defence, secure communications and future industry (MSMEs, start‑ups).
Way Forward
To sustain momentum, aspirants should note the following policy recommendations:
- Increase industry‑R&D linkage, especially with MSMEs, to accelerate technology transfer.
- Expand women‑focused fellowships and mentorship programmes to improve gender parity in high‑tech research.
- Strengthen international collaborations for quantum satellite missions and standards.
- Monitor progress against the phased deliverables and ensure transparent fund utilisation.
Overall, the NQM showcases India’s commitment to cutting‑edge science, the role of premier institutes, and the importance of inclusive capacity building – all key themes for UPSC preparation.