National Quantum Mission (India)

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is an ambitious initiative launched by the Government of India to propel the nation into the forefront of global research and innovation in quantum science and technology. Approved in April 2023, the mission aims to foster cutting-edge research, develop indigenous technologies, and create a skilled workforce in the emerging domains of quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials. Through the mission, India seeks to build a strong foundation for the quantum ecosystem that will enhance national security, scientific leadership, and technological self-reliance.

Background and Context

Quantum technology represents the next major revolution in science and engineering after classical electronics and information technology. It exploits the principles of quantum mechanics particularly superposition, entanglement, and quantum coherence to achieve capabilities far beyond the limits of conventional technologies. The potential applications span across secure communication, high-performance computing, ultra-precise sensing, navigation, and advanced materials.
Recognising the global momentum in quantum research and the need for national preparedness, India included quantum technologies as a strategic focus area in its Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) and Budget 2020–21, where an initial allocation of ₹8,000 crore over eight years was proposed. This financial and policy backing culminated in the formal approval of the National Quantum Mission in 2023, under the coordination of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Objectives and Vision

The National Quantum Mission is designed to achieve India’s leadership in quantum science through a comprehensive framework that unites academia, research institutions, industry, and government agencies. Its primary objectives include:

• Developing interdisciplinary quantum technologies and applications for computing, communication, sensing, and materials science.
• Establishing a robust quantum innovation and research ecosystem within the country.
• Creating centres of excellence and thematic hubs across major institutions.
• Building highly skilled human resources in quantum technologies.
• Promoting international collaboration with leading global research organisations.
• Encouraging start-ups and industries to translate research into commercial and societal benefits.

The mission’s long-term vision is to make India a global hub of quantum technology development by fostering innovation, building infrastructure, and strengthening national capabilities in both theoretical and applied quantum sciences.

Organisational Structure

The National Quantum Mission operates under the Department of Science and Technology and is guided by a Mission Governing Board (MGB) and a Mission Coordination Unit (MCU). The mission involves several participating agencies, including:

• DST (Department of Science and Technology) – Nodal implementing body.
• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) – Supporting applications in national security and cryptography.
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) – Collaborating in satellite-based quantum communication.
• MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) – Integrating quantum computing and secure communication with digital infrastructure.
• Research and academic institutions such as IISc Bengaluru, TIFR Mumbai, IITs, and IISERs for R&D and capacity building.

The mission structure ensures effective coordination across disciplines and sectors, with a focus on both scientific excellence and practical applications.

Thematic Areas of Research

The mission’s activities are organised around four major verticals or thematic hubs, each focusing on a critical aspect of quantum science and engineering:

1. Quantum Computing:
   • Development of scalable quantum processors based on different physical platforms such as superconducting qubits, photonics, trapped ions, and semiconductors.
   • Research on quantum algorithms, error correction, and software platforms.
   • Creation of quantum simulators to model complex molecular and material systems.
2. Quantum Communication:
   • Establishment of secure quantum key distribution (QKD) networks for government and strategic communication.
   • Development of quantum repeaters and satellite-based communication links.
   • Integration of quantum encryption into existing communication frameworks to enhance cybersecurity.
3. Quantum Sensing and Metrology:
   • Design of quantum sensors for ultra-precise measurements of time, magnetic fields, and gravitational forces.
   • Development of quantum-enhanced imaging and navigation systems.
   • Application of quantum metrology in healthcare, defence, and environmental monitoring.
4. Quantum Materials and Devices:
   • Exploration of new materials such as topological insulators, superconductors, and 2D materials that exhibit quantum properties.
   • Fabrication of nanoscale and hybrid devices for quantum information processing.
   • Integration of quantum materials into practical device architectures.

These thematic areas together aim to transform quantum research into deployable technologies, ensuring that India develops its own indigenous solutions rather than relying solely on foreign technologies.

Infrastructure and Research Hubs

The mission envisages the creation of four major technology hubs (T-Hubs) across premier research institutions in India. Each hub will focus on one of the four thematic verticals and will function as a centre of excellence. Supporting these hubs will be nodes and satellite centres in universities and research institutes across the country to ensure widespread participation.
Additionally, the mission plans to establish:

• National Quantum Computing Centres with prototype quantum processors ranging from 50–1000 qubits.
• Quantum Communication Testbeds to demonstrate long-distance quantum-secure communication (up to 2000 km).
• Quantum Metrology and Materials Facilities equipped for ultra-low temperature experiments and nanoscale fabrication.

Such infrastructure will enable indigenous quantum technology development and foster collaboration between scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

Expected Outcomes and Strategic Importance

The National Quantum Mission is expected to deliver transformative outcomes that will position India as a significant player in the quantum domain. The anticipated outcomes include:

• Development of indigenous quantum computers and algorithms for high-speed data processing.
• Establishment of secure communication channels using quantum encryption for defence, governance, and finance.
• Creation of precision measurement devices with unprecedented accuracy for navigation, medical diagnostics, and geophysical studies.
• Generation of high-quality human resources, including quantum scientists, engineers, and software developers.
• Promotion of start-ups and industrial applications in quantum cryptography, imaging, and computation.

Strategically, the mission enhances India’s national security by enabling unhackable communications and supports technological sovereignty by reducing dependency on foreign research. It also ensures India’s participation in the global race for quantum supremacy alongside countries like the United States, China, and members of the European Union.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the mission represents a monumental step, quantum technology development is inherently complex and resource-intensive. Challenges include:

• Building scalable, error-corrected quantum computers.
• Developing indigenous quantum hardware components.
• Training sufficient skilled manpower in theoretical and experimental quantum science.
• Ensuring sustained funding and inter-agency coordination.

Despite these challenges, the National Quantum Mission is structured to provide a long-term roadmap. By promoting collaboration between academia, national laboratories, and industry, it aims to nurture a self-sustaining quantum ecosystem within the next decade.