Despite challenges, India gears up to become Quantum-ready this year, say experts

India’s quantum technology landscape has seen remarkable growth in the last one year, establishing the country as a key player in the global quantum ecosystem.  

Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, and are faster than regular and even supercomputers, which use conventional bits. In recent years, major tech companies like Google, IBM, and Intel have invested billions in quantum computing research and development. The technology has the potential to revolutionise various industries and scientific research. Its superior processing capabilities enable the creation of more sophisticated solutions to complex challenges faced by critical fields like materials science, drug discovery, and sectors such as finance, food tech, and healthcare. 

In April 2023, India joined a select group of six nations, including the USA, China, Finland, Austria, France, and Canada, actively developing quantum computing capabilities. The government’s launch of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budget allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore ($735 million) further solidified the country's position in this field, with the government and enterprises recognising the potential of quantum computing to solve complex problems.  

Amit Kumar Shrivastava, Head AI at Fujitsu India, highlighted the importance of the convergence of quantum computing and AI. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise AI, cybersecurity, and research, especially in addressing global challenges like climate change. Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) is making quantum computing more accessible to industries and research fields.  

“Quantum software development kits (SDKs) are bridging the gap for programmers, allowing them to easily venture into quantum programming. Governments are implementing policies to promote ethical development and use of quantum technologies. Advancements in AI-driven computational brokers are expected, leading to more efficient quantum operations and reliable qubits,” said Shrivastava. 

For example, India’s NQM aimed at fostering expertise and capabilities in four critical areas of quantum technologies: communications, computing, metrology and sensing, and materials. Cybersecurity is also key for achieving objectives by 2028, including public key infrastructures, authentication services, encryption servers, and random number generation. However, the standardisation of quantum computers, sensors, and other devices is scheduled for 2033. 

The mission also seeks to build a quantum communications network covering 2,000 kilometres and achieve a quantum computing power of 1,000 qubits. This ambitious goal will be realised through collaborations between industry and academia, as well as support for startups developing quantum computing applications. 

To facilitate the effective implementation of the NQM, a coordination cell, the Mission Coordination Cell (MCC), will be established as a coordinating agency. Working in conjunction with the Mission Secretariat at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the MCC will operate under the supervision of the Mission Technology Research Council (MTRC). 

Sachin Panicker, Chief AI Officer at Fulcrum Digital, stressed the importance of Quantum AI, which combines quantum computing and artificial intelligence. However, this advancement brings disparities in accessibility, expertise, and security, posing a threat by enabling sophisticated manipulations that are difficult to detect. Quantum-resistant encryption is necessary to protect sensitive data.  

According to Panicker, in India, there is a need for training and awareness programs to prevent exclusion from the benefits of this innovation. Collaboration among experts, policymakers, and industries is crucial to bridge the skill gap and establish ethical frameworks for responsible development. 

Venkat Subramaniam, IBM Quantum Lead at IBM Research, also points out the lack of infrastructure and professionals in quantum research in India. He also mentions the industry's limited involvement in identifying practical use cases.  

“To address these challenges and improve India's capabilities, it is important to enhance research infrastructure, establish dedicated labs and research centers, expand educational programs, and foster public-private partnerships. Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios is also crucial for developing the skills of entry-level college graduates interested in quantum computing,” said Subramaniam. 

Last week, DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar said that the NQM plans to create four mission hubs focusing on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. These hubs will operate as consortia, involving academia, research and development labs, and industry players. 

More recently, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a 14-year roadmap for developing quantum technologies. The ministry has also released national roadmaps for cyber forensics, mobile security, cryptography, and Internet of Things security, in addition to quantum computing. These roadmaps cover the period until 2047, coinciding with the centenary of Indian independence.