Quantum Technology in India: National Quantum Mission

Profile & Intelligence Breakdown

Executive Overview

Quantum technology represents one of the most critical frontier scientific domains for the 21st century. Approved with a budget outlay of ₹6,003 crore ($730M+), India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) is building end-to-end capabilities across quantum computing, secure communications, precision quantum sensing, and quantum materials.

Four Thematic Hubs of the National Quantum Mission

1. Quantum Computing

Developing intermediate-scale quantum computers (50 to 1,000 physical qubits) across multiple modalities:

• Superconducting circuits
• Photonic quantum processors
• Trapped ion and neutral atom systems

2. Quantum Communication

Establishing hack-proof cryptographic infrastructure:

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over terrestrial fiber networks (>2,000 km).
• Satellite-based inter-city quantum communication for banking and strategic defence links.

3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology

Developing ultra-high-precision atomic clocks, magnetometers, and gravimeters for underground resource exploration, GPS-denied navigation, and seismic monitoring.

4. Quantum Materials & Devices

Engineering 2D topological insulators, novel superconductors, and single-photon sources for next-generation quantum hardware.

Primary Sources

• Department of Science and Technology (DST) — National Quantum Mission Implementation Guidelines.
• TIFR, IISc & RRI — Quantum Research Laboratory Publications.