India's Quantum Leap: National Quantum Mission to Launch First Quantum Computer

India is poised to make a significant leap in quantum technology with the imminent launch of its first quantum computer under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). This milestone comes after nearly four years of planning and preparation, as the country intensifies efforts to position itself as a global leader in quantum computing and related technologies.

The National Quantum Mission: A Strategic Vision

The National Quantum Mission, with a substantial ₹6,000 crore corpus, is set to drive India's ambitions in quantum technology. Ajai Chowdhry, Co-founder of HCL and Chairman of the Mission Governing Board, has outlined a comprehensive blueprint to allocate these funds effectively. The mission aims to foster innovation and development across four key verticals: quantum computing, communication, measurement, and sensing.

To achieve these goals, the mission will establish four Section 8 companies, each dedicated to one of these verticals. These companies will operate under the aegis of premier Indian institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). "The institutes have been shortlisted, and announcements will be made soon," Chowdhry revealed in an interview.

 Launching India's First Quantum Computer

One of the most anticipated developments under the NQM is the launch of India's first quantum computer, which will achieve a computation capability of 6 qubits. This milestone is expected to be reached within the next few months, marking a significant advancement in India's quantum capabilities. The project is being spearheaded by a consortium of leading institutions, including the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), under the "Quest" program, a precursor to the NQM.

Chowdhry emphasized that the mission's long-term goal is to establish a quantum computer with a computational power of 20-50 qubits within the next three years, scaling up to 50-100 qubits in five years and 50-1000 qubits in the next decade. These targets align with global standards, as quantum computers currently operational in other countries typically have processing capabilities in the 20-50 qubit range.

Strategic Importance and National Security

The development of indigenous quantum computing capabilities is not just a technological milestone but also a strategic imperative for India. Chowdhry highlighted the potential national security implications, particularly in the context of China's significant investments in quantum computing. "China's advancements in quantum technology pose a real threat, especially if they target critical infrastructure in India, such as our electrical grids or financial systems," Chowdhry warned. He stressed the importance of having homegrown quantum computing capabilities to mitigate such risks.

Supporting Quantum Start-ups and Innovation

In addition to the launch of the quantum computer, the NQM is also focused on nurturing an ecosystem of quantum technology start-ups. To this end, the mission plans to establish India's most comprehensive grant program for deep tech start-ups, offering grants ranging from ₹10-25 crore. This initiative is a departure from the traditional ₹10-50 lakh grants typically provided by the government and is designed to meet the significant capital requirements of quantum technology ventures.

Chowdhry pointed out that India already has a nascent ecosystem of 4-5 start-ups developing commercial quantum communication products for the defense sector and other industries. The NQM aims to further bolster this ecosystem by providing the necessary financial support and infrastructure to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge quantum technologies.

Looking Ahead: A Quantum Future for India

As the National Quantum Mission gathers momentum, India is set to join the ranks of global leaders in quantum technology. The upcoming launch of the country's first quantum computer, coupled with strategic investments in research and start-up ecosystems, underscores India's commitment to advancing in this critical field. With the mission's ambitious goals and comprehensive support framework, India is well on its way to achieving significant breakthroughs in quantum computing and beyond.