The Aakhya Weekly #118 | India's Quantum Leap and the Quest for Global Tech Leadership
In Focus: The National Quantum Mission and its Implications for India's Tech Landscape
By Azmil Mohamed
India holds the key in what is emerging as a global sprint to embrace quantum technologies that hold the power of transforming nations, and the National Quantum Mission (NQM) arguably represents perhaps one of the most crucial endeavours for India as a key stakeholder in this mammoth scientific frontier. Valued at ₹6,000 crore (approx. US$726 million), the NQM is an integrated policy construct that goes well beyond funding and is geared towards actively promoting domestic R&D partnership across academia and industry, and propelling India towards technological independence in an increasingly accelerated world.
Understanding the National Quantum Mission
Approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023, the NQM, which is one of the nine missions under the Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC), the NQM was set up with a clear goal of advancing research in India across four key domains - quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing & metrology, and quantum materials & devices. To serve this multi-faceted approach, the development of Thematic Hubs or ‘T-Hubs’ was initiated that will bring together academia, research institutions, & industry coverage to focus on driving innovation in India. The Mission Governing Board, chaired by Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, emphasizes the need for India to develop its own technologies rather than relying on imports, thus highlighting a policy shift towards self-reliance.
The T-Hubs will not only facilitate research but also serve as incubators for startups, encouraging them to innovate & scale up. The focus on human resource development is equally significant; as Dr. Chowdhry pointed out, building a skilled workforce is essential to realize the ambitions of the NQM. The Mission aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports training & education in quantum technologies, aligning with India's broader initiatives such as Skill India and Make in India.
Policy Alignment and Strategic Importance
The NQM is strategically aligned with several flagship programmes of the Indian government positioning quantum technology as one of the most powerful enablers to realize the bigger vision of the country. For instance, it complements the essence of Digital India by promoting enhancements to secure communication & fast computing. By enhancing cybersecurity through quantum cryptography, the task is to improve cybersecurity & guarantee that digital space will remain protected. This commitment not only safeguards critical data, but also a digitally enhanced society in which citizens can confidently make their way online.
Further, the NQM helps in realization of the vision of ‘Self-reliant India’ in the context of researchers & organizations having lesser dependence on foreign technologies. This focus is particularly important in the modern world, where technological supremacy is intricately linked to the security of the nation. Thus, India’s capacity to produce & bring up new technologies at home will not only improve its economic potential but also increase its strategic advantage. Through funding, the NQM fosters a future of India where it is well positioned to take on & effectively seize the opportunities that future holds.
Sectors Poised for Transformation
The implications of the NQM extend across various sectors, which have a far-reaching impact on almost all spheres of human activity, such as
Healthcare: Utilizing the full capability of Quantum computing, we can solve complex healthcare issues such as accelerating drug discovery & genomic research which in turn can lead to significant advancements in personalized medicine. Quantum sensors, with their unmatched precision, may also improve the diagnostic efficacy, by making it possible to diagnose illnesses at a very early stage.
Finance: The financial sector will be one of the most significant beneficiaries of quantum algorithms, which enhance risk assessment in addition to the optimum configuration of complex financial models. Also, quantum cryptography will further improve the security of transactions, which is crucial in addressing the emerging financial services sector risk of cyberattacks that has raised eyebrows more & more especially for financial institutions.
Energy: Quantum technologies can enhance energy management & increase grid performance, critical to a nation facing increasing energy needs & sustainability challenges. For instance, quantum simulations could help immensely in the search for new materials that offer better energy storage solutions.
Communication: The ideal expectation to be had with quantum communication lies in its ability to offer unbreakable encryption & hyper maximized data security, which are essential for safeguarding sensitive information in an increasingly interconnected world.
These developments across such different sectors not only highlight the transformative potential of quantum technologies but also underscore the importance of policy frameworks that facilitate cross-sector collaboration & knowledge transfer.
Challenges & Opportunities
While the goals set forward by & for the NQM are noble & laudable, several challenges remain that, if left unaddressed, could heavily hinder its effectiveness. Firstly, there is considerable disparity between India's current investment in quantum technology to that of other leading nations. Consider the case of China. While India has allocated $726 million to its research, China is investing over $15 billion. To stay in the race, India needs to guarantee adequate and continuous funding on the NQM in the long run.
Another area of concern is the research output such as publications and patents. While China has produced 12,110 research papers in quantum technology, India has only managed 1,711 papers till date. This definitive gap not only underlines the problems in the limited resources, but also signals the lack of efforts to connect funding support with the development of research cultures, supporting innovation & preserving the IPRs.
Another important area of focus is the establishment of an effective linkage between industry & academia creating a robust collaboration network. Several challenges limit translation of research outcomes into practical applications, and strengthening collaborations between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry players is an essential step to counter those challenges. Consequently, the NQM's framework needs to focus on establishing partnerships that could help in the transfer of such technology & further scale up successful innovations.
A Call for Holistic Approaches
To step up India’s advancement in quantum technologies, a holistic approach must be adopted. This includes investing in modern & efficient infrastructure facilities and developing an ideal climate for promoting innovation through effective investment models. Government and private organizations must pool resources to support research & development programmes.
There is also a need to expand educational programs that would help increase public attention to quantum technologies. Likewise, the industry through specialized industry conferences can also be enticed towards investing within the country while at the same time fueling the creation of healthy startup environments. The performance of the NQM highly depends on the extent of synergy between these sectors balancing governmental funding, industrial demands, and academic research capacity.
Towards a Quantum Future
The National Quantum Mission represents a bold step towards positioning India as a key player in the global quantum technology landscape. However, realizing this vision will require overcoming existing challenges through enhanced investment, fostering a collaborative ecosystem, & cultivating a skilled workforce. As the mission unfolds, its success will depend on the ability of policymakers, researchers, & industry leaders to work in concert towards a common goal: to leverage the power of quantum technologies for national development.
Top Stories of the Week
Cabinet Approves Road Development in Border Regions of Rajasthan and Punjab
The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of 2,280 km of roads in Rajasthan and Punjab, with an investment of ₹4,406 crore, as part of a major push to improve infrastructure in border areas. This initiative focuses on enhancing connectivity and improving livelihoods in rural and remote regions near the India-Pakistan border.
In addition to road development, the plan includes key upgrades in telecom connectivity, water supply, healthcare, and education. During a media briefing, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the government's shift in perspective on border villages. These areas, once viewed as peripheral, are now recognized as the "first villages" of the country—highlighting their vital role in national integration and development.
This shift aligns with the broader "Vibrant Villages" initiative, designed to foster economic growth and expand access to essential services in remote regions. The new roads will link these border villages to the national highway network, easing travel, improving market access, and facilitating trade.
The government's holistic approach underscores its commitment to strengthening border regions, enhancing connectivity, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in these strategically important areas. In addition, improved infrastructure will bolster security, particularly in light of past incidents where drones used for smuggling narcotics, arms, and ammunition were intercepted by the Border Security Force in both Punjab and Rajasthan.
Maharashtra's Green Integrated Data Centre Parks
​The Maharashtra Government has taken a significant step towards becoming a hub for the data centre industry with the approval of Green Integrated Data Centre Parks, backed by a projected investment of Rs 1.6 trillion.​ This decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, marks Maharashtra as the first Indian state to develop a special policy for such parks. The initiative is set to enhance the state's digital infrastructure and attract multinational corporations, generating substantial long-term revenue through direct and indirect taxes.
The Green Integrated Data Centre Parks are positioned to create around 500 direct high-skilled jobs and an estimated 3,000 indirect jobs in high-tech sectors, supporting the growing demand for data storage and artificial intelligence. In alignment with India’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, these parks will focus on eco-friendly practices and sustainable development. Maharashtra has amended its Information Technology and IT Enabled Services (ITES) Policy to offer special incentives for the establishment of three of these parks, each requiring a minimum capacity of 500 MW and a capital investment of at least Rs 300 billion over ten years. The incentives are contingent upon an initial investment of Rs 100 billion in each park.
By forwarding a technology-driven and environmentally sustainable ecosystem, this initiative not only aims to brace Maharashtra’s position in the data centre industry but also supports India’s broader environmental objectives, paving the way for a sustainable future that balances technology and ecological responsibilities.
A Few Good Reads
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India’s data protection law is flawed because, as Rahul Matthan argues, people rarely understand the consequences of what they have agreed to or the harms that could result from these decisions.Â
The Economist asserts that the revival of nuclear power is being driven by tech giants like Microsoft seeking reliable clean energy for AI.Â
The US Justice Department is considering breaking up Google to tackle its monopoly in online search, but Andrew Ross Sorkin highlights that it would be hard to do.
Event Watch
FICCI’s MASSMERIZE 2024
The 13th edition of FICCI’s MASSMERIZE 2024, an annual conference on Retail, FMCG, and E-commerce, took place on October 7th and 8th in New Delhi, centered around the theme "SPUR: Stimulate Performance, Unleash Results." This conference gathered key stakeholders from the retail, FMCG, and e-commerce sectors, alongside policymakers, to discuss growth strategies, emerging trends, regulatory challenges, sustainability, and technological innovations.
In his inaugural address, Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, emphasized the critical role of the FMCG sector in driving India’s economic future and achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that maintaining product quality is essential not only for brand integrity but also for India’s global reputation.Â
The event featured keynote from industry leaders, such as Mr. Harsha V Agarwal of Emami and Mr. Kumar Venkatasubramanian of Procter & Gamble, who emphasized the importance of sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation in the sector. A key highlight was the release of the FICCI-Deloitte report, which projected strong growth for FMCG, retail, and e-commerce sectors, fueled by rising consumer demand and technological advancements, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities.