First Step Towards A Quantum Leap For India

First Step Towards A Quantum Leap For India

The mission had previously been announced during the 2020 Budget speech by the finance minister. The Union government has taken this major policy decision after announcing its intention to develop India’s quantum ecosystem in 2019. A quantum technology development fund of Rs 6,000 crore has been created after lying dormant for almost three years.

NM-QTA was initially announced in the budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 with a five-year total outlay of Rs 8000 crore. The mission also outlined the actions that would need to be taken to accomplish those aims. In addition to developing quantum processors, communication devices, memory devices, accelerators, and simulators, the mission had other objectives.

The development of quantum clocks, sensors, and imaging devices, as well as the design of advanced materials for military and civil applications. We aim to strengthen cross-border research collaborations in quantum technologies and the research base in this field.

Using the above objectives, the Union Cabinet has decided to establish a Secretariat, which includes a Governing Council (headed by a well-known scientist or tech entrepreneur) and a Mission Technology Research Council (led by a Principal Scientific Advisor).

A key objective of the National Mission is to establish four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) around major academic and national research institutions in the country to establish a quantum ecosystem. Each hub will focus on a different emerging application domain of quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum materials.

In this way, all areas of the quantum value chain will be adequately funded and resourced. The goals of the National Mission, as outlined in the minister’s press briefing, are developing quantum computers, satellite-based quantum communication, and creating multiple quantum vital distributions (QKD) links for encrypted communication supported by a multimodal quantum network.

Current Transnational Quantum Policies

Quantum technology is important for the economy as well as for national security. Governments know the importance of fostering quantum technologies, particularly quantum computing, for their businesses, industries, and broader commercial and social impacts.

Governments also wish to gain an offensive position by obtaining this technology to gain an advantage over their competitors. Even a quantum computer that is not as advanced can break any public encryption key to secure its information and data.

Despite not being an utterly zero-sum game, gaining comparative strategic advantages in multiple spheres of quantum technology will enhance sovereignty or relative autonomy for countries. Quantum is not a software-based technology (like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and IoT). Building large hardware devices with quantum capabilities requires a considerable initial investment, physical infrastructure, and human capital.

In contrast to some emerging technologies (like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and IoT), quantum technology requires vast investments in research, infrastructure, and human capital.

The number of countries with quantum programs and initiatives worldwide is only 25, with considerable variance in their investment, programs, and technology readiness between the top and bottom tiers. To address these issues, the government works with academic and industry actors to promote R&D and build an ecosystem for commercializing research results.

How Can India’s National Mission Become Better?

In light of quantum technology, research and development are crucial. Universities and higher education institutions conduct cutting-edge research in technical fields. A similar statement can be made about quantum technologies as well. Academics must focus on more to gain the benefits these research centres offer by developing critical intellectual property (IP).

In multiple industries where quantum technology can be applied, gaining IP rights in technologies such as quantum can give India a competitive advantage both economically (licensing fees) and strategically (patents). Additionally, educational and research institutes provide a vast and relatively low-cost talent pool that can be invaluable to strengthening the domestic workforce.

With only a few hundred researchers, professionals, academicians, and entrepreneurs practising quantum science and technology in India, the field needs more skilled professionals. Translating research into real-world applications requires facilitating and encouraging academic and industry collaborations.

Undoubtedly, various state administrations in India must participate in forging the domestic quantum industry, even though the Union government is primarily responsible for formulating the country’s quantum technology policies. It is particularly true when using advanced semiconductor technology to manufacture and fabricate quantum devices.

Coordination across domestic manufacturing units can benefit quantum technology, with state governments being integral to setting up fabs shortly. Governments are responsible for creating a tax and legal environment that fosters innovation in addition to investments.

Indian talent will be involved in this project, attracting potential international collaborators. Government funding, lowered imports of manufacturing equipment, and trade policies that encourage investment can also help establish and grow India’s quantum industry.

The private sector must be involved as the domestic quantum ecosystem develops and grows. Universities play an essential role in research, but quantum tech corporations and startups are crucial to implementing and commercializing this research.

Numerous big-tech companies are leading the charge in quantum computing, but smaller players are also emerging to serve the rapidly growing sector. The government and industry bodies must act to facilitate collaboration between big technology companies and small startups. In addition, the government must ensure that funding is allocated to establish and scale startup businesses to provide targeted microeconomic support.

Production-linked incentives (PLI) could be provided similarly to semiconductor packages for quantum technology companies. Firms engaged in quantum technologies may also be eligible for upfront capital expenditure support, tax deductions, and interest-free loans through a scheme similar to the SPECS.

With the announcement of the NM-QTA, quantum technology development in the country is set to accelerate. Despite this, the National Mission should not be restricted to the Union government alone but should involve academia, state governments, and industry to build synergy. The quantum domain would move from a small step towards a giant leap for India.

Proofread & Published By Naveenika Chauhan