This might offer a boost to Indian enterprises exploring quantum computing research and development, such as IBM, TCS, and Tech Mahindra, among others.
In eight years, the program hopes to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits on various platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM), with a total budget of Rs 6,003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, to scale up research and development and create an innovative ecosystem in quantum technology in the country.
The plan was authorized after a two-year wait; the government initially mentioned it in the 2020 Budget, with an Rs 8,000 crore investment.
The Department of Science and Technology will carry out the initiative in collaboration with others. India will therefore join a group of six countries that have been building R&D capabilities in quantum computing: the United States, China, France, Finland, Austria, and Canada.
Quantum computers, which employ quantum bits, or qubits, are quicker than traditional computers and supercomputers. According to sources, Google’s quantum processor, Sycamore, accomplished a job in 200 seconds that Google said would require a state-of-the-art supercomputer 10,000 years to complete in a Nature study in 2019.
The government plans to build at least 20-50 qubit computers and a 2,000-kilometer multi-node quantum network within the next three years, according to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur during a news conference.
Experts believe that in a country like India, where the government employs technology to tackle large-scale problems, quantum computing might be a game changer since it allows for large-scale simulations.
According to Nasscom-Avasant Research research, there are almost 100 government-supported quantum and related technology initiatives. According to the report, quantum technology adoption across sectors might add $280-310 billion to the Indian economy by 2030.
In eight years, the initiative hopes to produce intermediate-size quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits on diverse platforms such as superconducting and photonic technologies. Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations within India over a 2,000-kilometer range, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, integrated-city quantum key distribution over 2,000 kilometers, and a multi-node quantum network with quantum memories are also among the mission’s deliverables.
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