Mission Overview and Objectives
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023, securing ₹6,003.65 crore in funding for the period 2023–24 to 2030–31. The initiative is designed to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial research and development within India’s quantum technology ecosystem, aiming to elevate the nation to the global forefront of quantum innovation.psa.gov.inThe Indian Express
Key objectives include:
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Quantum Computing: Building intermediate-scale quantum computers ranging from 50 to 1,000 physical qubits over eight years using superconducting and photonic platforms.psa.gov.inDrishti IASJICE IAS
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Quantum Communication: Establishing satellite-based secure quantum communication across 2,000 km in India, and enabling long-distance, cross-border quantum links, inter-city quantum key distribution, and multi-node quantum networks with memory.psa.gov.inDrishti IASJICE IASWikipedia
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Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Developing high-sensitivity magnetometers and atomic clocks for applications in precision timing, navigation, and communication.psa.gov.inDrishti IASJICE IAS
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Quantum Materials & Devices: Supporting the design and synthesis of superconductors, novel semiconductors, and topological materials; along with developing single-photon and entangled-photon sources and detectors.psa.gov.inJICE IASWikipedia
Implementation Strategy: Thematic Hubs
To drive research and innovation, the NQM has established four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) at premier academic and R&D institutions:
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Quantum Computing: IISc Bengaluru
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Quantum Communication: IIT Madras (with C-DOT, New Delhi)
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Quantum Sensing & Metrology: IIT Bombay
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Quantum Materials & Devices: IIT DelhiWikipediaJICE IASNDTV ProfitReddit
These Hubs operate under a Hub–Spoke–Spike model, fostering collaboration between central hubs, research projects (“Spokes”), and smaller groups (“Spikes”) across a national network of institutions.RedditPlutusias
Strategic Significance
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Global Positioning: With NQM, India joined an elite group of nations with dedicated quantum missions, including the US, China, Germany, Canada, Finland, and France.Drishti IASThe Indian Express
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Cross-Sector Impact: The mission aims to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, diagnostics, defense, finance, energy, drug discovery, and space exploration—aligning with key national initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Start-up India, and Self-Reliant India.psa.gov.inInc42Drishti IASJICE IAS
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Cybersecurity Leadership: Agencies like DRDO and ISRO are pioneering quantum-safe communication infrastructure, aiming to preserve data integrity as traditional encryption faces quantum threats.The Times of India
Recent Developments & Industry Collaborations
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Quantum Valley in Amaravati: Part of NQM, Andhra Pradesh’s “Quantum Valley” is moving ahead with an 8-qubit quantum computer project by QPiAI, focusing on agri-tech, water management, disease diagnostics, and student skill development. A Center of Excellence is being envisioned for research and innovation.The Times of India+1
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Regional Rivalry in Quantum Firsts: A debate arose when Andhra Pradesh claimed to be launching India’s first 8-qubit quantum computer, while Karnataka countered that its 25-qubit system, “Indus,” built by QPiAI in Bengaluru, has been operational since April 2025. The system supports sectors like defense, healthcare, finance, and research.The Times of IndiaWikipedia
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Funding Boost for Private Startups: QPiAI has raised $32 million in a funding round co-led by Avataar Ventures and NQM, to enhance development of powerful, reliable quantum computers for applications in agriculture, manufacturing, and drug discovery.The Economic Times
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Expert Insights at Quantum India Summit: Nobel Laureate Prof. Duncan Haldane urged India to invest in labs, talent, and infrastructure and foster a workforce ready for the next quantum revolution, with emphasis on niche applications and interdisciplinary collaboration.The Times of India
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Breakthrough in Quantum Communications: DRDO and IIT Delhi successfully demonstrated entanglement-based quantum communication over free-space optical links exceeding 1 km, paving the way for real-world quantum key distribution applications.Wikipedia