National Quantum Mission

What is the mission about?

The National Quantum Mission (NQM), initiated by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is a long-term strategy aimed at positioning India as a global leader in quantum technologies. Launched in 2023, with a planned duration of eight years (2023–2031) and a budget allocation of ₹6003.65 crores, NQM seeks to advance quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. This mission focuses on addressing national priorities, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving innovation through a network of Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs)​.

What are the mission's Core Objectives?

  • Advancement of Quantum Research: Support research into quantum computing, communication, materials, and sensing, with applications in sectors like defense, healthcare, and finance.
  • Create Quantum Infrastructure: Build quantum computers with 50–1000 qubits and develop quantum communication systems for secure communications.
  • Foster Collaboration: Establish Thematic Hubs to encourage collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies.
  • Skill Development: Train the next generation of scientists and engineers in quantum technologies.
  • Promote Commercialization: Facilitate the commercialization of quantum products and solutions to serve sectors like cybersecurity, energy, and healthcare.​

Which Stakeholders can Participate?

  • Startups: Opportunities exist to collaborate with T-Hubs for incubation, product development, and commercialization. Startups can gain access to quantum research infrastructure and participate in pilot projects.
  • Academia: Researchers and institutions can participate in R&D collaborations through T-Hubs, contributing to cutting-edge quantum research and technology development.
  • Industry: Industry partners are encouraged to invest in quantum technologies, collaborate on pilot projects, and adopt solutions developed under NQM.
  • Investors: VCs and angel investors can fund early-stage quantum technology startups, providing critical financial backing and benefiting from innovations emerging from T-Hubs​ India Science and Technology.

What is the Budget of this mission?

The NQM’s ₹6003.65 crore budget will be disbursed over the course of eight years. This funding is divided between the four Thematic Hubs, supporting research, development, and infrastructure efforts​ India Science and Technology.

What use cases are applicable to this mission?

1. Quantum Computing:

  • Cryptography: Quantum computing promises enhanced cryptography techniques that will revolutionize data protection in industries like banking and defense.
  • Drug Discovery: Quantum algorithms are being developed to accelerate drug discovery processes by simulating molecular structures more efficiently than classical computers.
  • Materials Science: Quantum simulations will play a critical role in discovering new materials for energy storage and electronics​

2. Quantum Communication:

  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): This technology enables ultra-secure communication channels, essential for sectors like national defense and critical infrastructure.
  • Satellite-Based Quantum Communication: The NQM aims to develop satellite-based quantum communication systems to enable secure, long-distance quantum communications​.

3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology:

  • Precision Navigation: Quantum sensors will improve GPS systems and navigation in environments where classical sensors fail.
  • Healthcare Diagnostics: Quantum sensors can increase the precision of medical diagnostics, enabling early detection of diseases like cancer.

4. Quantum Materials:

  • Superconductors: Research in quantum materials will lead to the development of superconducting devices that can significantly reduce energy losses in power grids.
  • Topological Insulators: These materials will pave the way for more energy-efficient electronics, revolutionizing sectors like computing and communications​.

Please describe the emerging Use Cases & Solution Roadmap?

  • Google’s Quantum AI: Developing quantum computers for drug discovery and material science.
  • IBM Quantum: Offering cloud-based quantum computing for industry and academic research.
  • Honeywell Quantum Solutions: Specializing in quantum sensing and precision navigation systems​.

What are the possible Solution Stages?

  • Early-stage (0-2 years): Focus on the development of quantum prototypes, particularly for secure communication systems and quantum sensors.
  • Middle-stage (2-10 years): Expand quantum infrastructure, moving towards commercial-scale quantum computers and industry applications like healthcare and finance.
  • Advanced-stage (10+ years): Large-scale deployment of quantum systems, including quantum computing platforms and global communication networks​.

What could be some of the Product spaces?

  • Quantum Computers: Scalable quantum computers aimed at solving problems in cryptography, drug discovery, and material science.
  • Quantum Secure Networks: Quantum communication systems for government, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure.
  • Quantum Sensors: High-precision sensors for healthcare diagnostics and navigation systems.

What are Funding Mechanisms?

Funding for startups, academic institutions, and industry partners will be routed through the T-Hubs, with support for R&D, commercialization efforts, and infrastructure development​.

What has been the Progress So Far in brief?

  • Quantum Communication Trials: India has successfully demonstrated quantum key distribution (QKD), paving the way for secure national communication systems.
  • Quantum Computing Prototypes: Early prototypes of quantum computers with 50-100 qubits are being developed at T-Hubs​.

General FAQs

1How can startups participate in NQM?
Startups can collaborate with the T-Hubs for incubation, product development, and access to research infrastructure.
2What are the primary focus areas of NQM?
NQM focuses on quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials, with applications in defense, finance, and healthcare.
3What sectors are likely to benefit from quantum technologies?
Key sectors include cybersecurity, finance, energy, healthcare, and defense.
4Can international organizations collaborate with NQM?
Yes, NQM encourages international collaborations, allowing foreign institutions to work with Indian counterparts on quantum research and commercialization​.

FAQs for Startups

1How can startups apply for incubation or funding under NQM?
Startups can apply through the Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) that focus on specific areas like Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Materials. Applications are typically evaluated based on the relevance of the proposed technology, the startup's team, and potential impact. Details about funding opportunities can be found on the DST website or by contacting the respective T-Hubs​.
2What kinds of support can startups expect under the NQM?
  • Access to cutting-edge quantum infrastructure at the T-Hubs.
  • Mentorship from leading quantum researchers and industry experts.
  • Prototype development support and assistance in scaling solutions.
  • Funding to support both early-stage and growth-stage quantum technology startups.
3Are there collaboration opportunities with global companies or institutions?
Yes, NQM promotes global partnerships, allowing startups to collaborate with international quantum research institutions and companies. This opens avenues for knowledge exchange and technology adoption across borders​.
4What areas of quantum technology should startups focus on for maximum impact?

Startups should focus on sectors with emerging quantum use cases, such as:

  • Cryptography (for secure communications).
  • Quantum Computing (for healthcare, defense, and financial modeling).
  • Quantum Sensors (for precision navigation and medical diagnostics)​.

FAQs for Academia & Researchers

1How can academic researchers collaborate under NQM?
Researchers can join R&D projects through T-Hubs or form partnerships with industry stakeholders. T-Hubs focus on key areas like quantum materials and quantum communication, offering labs and resources to drive high-impact research​.
2What types of research grants are available under NQM?
  • Institutional and individual grants are available through the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and DST, focusing on foundational research, translational research, and product development.
  • Researchers can also apply for international grants through partnerships with foreign institutions involved in quantum science​.
3Can researchers collaborate across multiple Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs)?
Yes, researchers are encouraged to collaborate across multiple T-Hubs to leverage expertise in different quantum domains. This interdisciplinary approach helps create integrated solutions in quantum communication, computing, and materials science​.
4How does NQM support skill development in quantum science?
NQM focuses heavily on training the next generation of quantum scientists through specialized courses, workshops, and hands-on experience in quantum research labs. Universities tied to T-Hubs also offer advanced degree programs related to quantum technologies​.

FAQs for Industry & Corporations

1How can companies collaborate with NQM on quantum R&D?
Industry partners can engage in joint R&D projects with T-Hubs or sponsor research in areas aligned with their strategic goals. The hubs provide access to state-of-the-art quantum infrastructure, enabling companies to test and pilot quantum-based solutions​.
2What sectors can benefit the most from quantum technology?

Key sectors that will benefit include:

  • Defense and cybersecurity (for quantum encryption and secure communications).
  • Healthcare (for drug discovery and diagnostics).
  • Finance (for advanced computational models and cryptography).
  • Energy (for smart grids and quantum sensors)​.
3Are there tax or funding incentives for corporations involved in quantum research?
Yes, companies participating in NQM can receive tax benefits and funding support for developing quantum technology applications, particularly in sectors of national importance such as defense, finance, and healthcare​.
4What kinds of products are likely to emerge from quantum research?

Key products include:

  • Quantum secure networks for high-stakes data protection.
  • Quantum sensors for high-precision industrial and healthcare applications.
  • Quantum computing solutions for solving complex problems in finance and medicine​.

FAQs for Investors/VCs

1What sectors are most promising for quantum investment in India?
  • Cybersecurity: Investments in quantum encryption and quantum key distribution (QKD) will safeguard critical national infrastructure.
  • Healthcare: Quantum computing is expected to accelerate drug discovery and diagnostic tools.
  • Energy: Quantum materials and sensors will revolutionize the efficiency of energy storage and distribution.​
2How do I invest in quantum startups under NQM?
Investors can partner with T-Hubs to fund promising startups working in areas like quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Demo days and networking events organized by the hubs provide direct access to early-stage companies​.
3What kind of ROI should investors expect from quantum technologies?
While quantum technologies are in their early stages, their long-term potential for transformative impact on finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity suggests substantial returns in the future as these technologies mature and reach commercialization​
4How does India’s NQM compare to global quantum initiatives?
India’s NQM is one of the most ambitious quantum initiatives globally, with a focus on building infrastructure, training talent, and creating commercial opportunities. It positions the country to compete with global leaders like the US, China, and Germany in the race for quantum supremacy​
JOIN GROUP