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The launch of National Quantum Mission in 2023, put India among the top six leading nations involved in the research and development in quantum technologies. The National Quantum Mission worth Rs. 6,003.65 crore, is planned during 2023-2031. The mission aims to strengthen India’s research and development in the quantum arena. However, the mission also faces several challenges in the achievement of its objectives.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the advantages of quantum technology, the National Quantum Mission, its challenges and the way forward.
What is quantum computing technology? What are its areas of application and advantages?
Quantum Computing Technology- Quantum computing is a rapidly emerging technology that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
Principle behind Quantum Technology- Quantum computing utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics, which describe the behavior of particles at the subatomic level. This includes phenomena like superposition and entanglement, which allow quantum bits (qubits) to exist in multiple states simultaneously and interact with each other in complex ways.
| Read More- Quantum computing technology and associated applications – Explained, pointwise |
Applications and advantages of Quantum Technology
| Higher Problem-solving capabilities | Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems in areas such as cryptography, optimization, materials science, and drug discovery that are currently intractable for classical computers. |
| Enhanced AI Models | Quantum computing can dramatically improve machine learning algorithms, enabling more efficient and accurate AI models for various applications. |
| Optimization | Quantum computing optimizes complex processes, such as supply-chain management and financial portfolio optimization, by exploring multiple solutions simultaneously. |
| Secure Communication | Quantum computers can enable ultrasecure communication using quantum encryption, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept sensitive information. |
| New Medicines | Quantum computing can help simulate complex molecular interactions, allowing researchers to discover new drugs and optimize existing ones. |
What are the Salient Features of the National Quantum Mission?
The mission will be implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology. The mission planned for 2023-2031 aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
| Development of Quantum Computers | The mission targets to develop intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits in 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years. |
| Development of quantum materials | The mission will also support design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures and topological materials for fabrication of quantum devices. The mission will help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity for precision timing (atomic clocks), communications, and navigation. |
| Secure communication | The mission aims to facilitate satellite based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 km within India, and Long distance secure quantum communications with other countries. |
| Establishment of T-Hubs | The mission aims to set up Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) would be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains of Quantum Technology-Quantum computation, Quantum communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices. |
What is the significance of the National Quantum Mission?
1. Improve India’s standing in new economic order- New age technologies like quantum computing, Artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things (IoT), machine learning etc. are re-writing the world economic order. The National Quantum Mission will help in India’s accommodation in a new economic order.
2. Economic Growth and Job Creation- According to experts, the adoption of quantum technologies in India can contribute $280-310 billion to the economy by 2030. The mission will help to spur job creation in research, development, and the manufacturing of quantum devices and systems.
3. Boost to Industries- The National Quantum Mission will boost the industrial ecosystem in India which includes industries in the sector of aero-space engineering, weather prediction, simulations, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, health, agriculture, and education.
4. Improvement of security infrastructure- The mission will help to secure the communication (Quantum Key Distribution) and financial transactions infrastructure in India.
5. Complement the efforts of Socio-economic development- The National Quantum Mission will complement and support other national socio-economic development programs like Digital India, Make in India, and the progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.
6. Streamline the material and device requirements for the core quantum technology- The mission will help in the fulfillment of these objectives by
a) building infrastructure for new materials and devices with in-house R&D.
b) synergising the diverse and geographically distributed material workforce in India to achieve mission deliverables.
c) ensuring efficient resource utilisation as well as minimising redundancy and duplication of resources.
7. Solving modern age problems- The National quantum mission will help in finding radical solutions to some of the most intractable problems of our age, such as clean energy and affordable healthcare.
What are the Challenges with the Mission?
1. Lesser investment as compared to other countries- The 6000 crore ($0.75 billion) earmarked for the mission is very low when compared to Chinese $15 billion investment, US’s $3.75 billion.
2. Less number of scientific research papers- Between 2000 and 2018, while the Indian researchers have published 1,711 papers on quantum-related science, the Chinese and American researchers have published 12,110 and 13,489 papers respectively. Among the 10% most cited papers, the US and China again lead the way, with India languishing at the 20th rank.
3. Less quantum technology patents- Between 2015 and 2020, Chinese and American researchers acquired 23,335 and 8,935 quantum-related patents respectively. However, Indian researchers had only 339 such patents in the same period. India ranks ninth by the number of patents obtained.
4. Fewer firms in tech manufacturing- Currently nearly 12% of start-ups in India are deep tech-related. However, less than 3% of these involve manufacturing and/or materials related to quantum technologies.
5. Lack of adequate infrastructure- India does not have enough infrastructure that can support the entire chain of operation from working out the proof-of-principle to developing working prototypes.
6. Fewer and more scattered R&D community- In 2018, India had 253 full-time equivalent researchers per million of its population. This is about 11% of the researcher density of Italy.
7. Weak Industry academia linkage- Lack of strong collaborations between academic institutions, research organizations, and industries has slowed down the progress of quantum computing development in India.
What Should be the way Forward?
1. Identify and promote young talent- National Quantum Mission needed to identify and promote young talent. The mission should raise a separate cadre of quantum scientists like the atomic energy or space science establishments.
2. Well balanced R&D ecosystem- India needs to create a well-balanced R&D ecosystem where material research for near-term goals and applications needs to coexist and collaborate with more fundamental and futuristic objectives.
3. Increased Investment Support- Both public and private entities should increase funding and investment in quantum computing research, development, and innovation.
4. Improvement of infrastructure facilities- The government and private sector should invest in building state-of-the-art research facilities and providing resources for quantum computing development.
5. Promotion of Partnerships- Collaborations between academic institutions, research organizations, and industries must be enhanced to create a robust ecosystem for quantum computing development.
| Read More- The Indian Express UPSC Syllabus- GS 3 Science and technology |
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