National Quantum Mission India Explained

National Quantum Mission India[1] is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to foster quantum technologies related scientific and industrial research and development to support national Digital India, Make India, Skill India and Sustainable development goals.[2] [3] [4]

Background

The union cabinet of Government of India approved the National Quantum Mission with a cost of INR 6003.65 cr ($730,297,000) from 2023–24 to 2030–31.[5] [6] [7]

Selection of Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) and Technical Groups (TGs)

In January 2024[8], the National Quantum Mission issued a Call for Proposals (CFP), inviting top-tier academic and research institutions to contribute to the development of quantum technologies in four main areas: 1. Quantum Computing 2. Quantum Communication 3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology4. Quantum Materials & Devices

The initiative garnered an impressive 384 submissions from across the country.

Four T-Hubs and 17 TGs Announced

On September 30, 2024, the National Quantum Mission reached a decisive phase with the announcement of the four T-Hubs.[9] [10]

After a thorough evaluation, 17 proposals were selected, representing the pinnacle of quantum research excellence. The T-Hubs bring together 152 researchers from 43 institutions nationwide, showcasing India’s collective drive to become a global leader in quantum science and technology.

The four T-Hubs will be 1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru for quantum computing 2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras along with Centre for Development of Telematics New Delhi for Quantum Communications 3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for Quantum Sensing & Metrology and 4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi for Quantum Materials & Devices and comprises of 14 Technical Groups.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: National Quantum Mission. 2024-12-01.
  2. News: Rapol . Umakant Damodar . 2023-04-28 . What will India's new National Quantum Mission achieve? . en-IN . The Hindu . 2023-04-28 . 0971-751X.
  3. Web site: 2023-04-26 . What is the Rs 6,000 crore national quantum mission, and what it means for science in India . 2023-04-28 . The Indian Express . en.
  4. Web site: 2023-04-26 . Research hubs to steer quantum mission over eight years . 2023-04-28 . Deccan Herald . en.
  5. Web site: Cabinet approves National Quantum Mission to scale-up scientific & industrial R&D for quantum technologies Department Of Science & Technology . 2023-04-28 . dst.gov.in.
  6. Web site: Quantum Technologies Principal Scientific Adviser . 2023-04-28 . www.psa.gov.in . en.
  7. Web site: NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION . www.simplifiedcurrentaffairs.in.
  8. Web site: Call for Pre-Proposals for Setting up Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) under National Quantum Mission. 2024-12-01.
  9. Web site: NQM Landmark: T-Hubs announced to Lead India's Quantum Revolution. 2024-12-01.
  10. News: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced Establishment of Thematic Hubs and Technical Groups National Quantum Mission. 2024-09-30.