Source-The post is based on the article “Union Cabinet gives nod for ₹6,003 crore Quantum Mission” published in PIB on 20th April 2023.
What is the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the ₹6,003 crore National Quantum Mission (NQM).
What is the National Quantum Mission (NQM)?
Nodal Ministry: Department of Science and Technology
Aim: To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology.
Duration of the mission: 2023-24 to 2030-31
Targets under the mission: The mission will entail the development of satellite-based secure communications between a ground station and a receiver located at 3,000 km during the first three years.
– For satellite-based communication within Indian cities, NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000kms.
– For long-distance quantum communication, especially with other countries, tests will be conducted in the coming years.
– The mission will also focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits developed over the next eight years.
Thematic Hubs: Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains – Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
– The hubs will focus on the generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.
Progress in setting up in Thematic Hubs:
1) Recently the call for pre-proposals to establish Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) was launched by Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Professor Abhay Karandikar during the 9th edition of the India International Science Festival.
2) The preproposal invites academic institutions and R&D labs to submit innovative pre-proposals for setting up of four technology hubs under NQM in consortia format.
Note- The decision for pre-proposals was made during the inaugural meeting of the Mission Governing Board (MGB) of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which had granted approval for the same.
Secretariat: The Governing Body of the mission will be chaired by a renowned scientist or an entrepreneur from the technology, industry or research sector.
– The Mission Technology Research Council will be headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor and will be the scientific advisory mechanism for the Governing Body.
Significance of the mission: The mission would greatly benefit communication, health, financial and energy sectors as well as drug design, and space applications.
– It will provide a huge boost to National priorities like digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
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