Quantum leap

New mission can lead to benefits across sectors

The new National Quantum Mission (NQM) has committed over Rs 6,000 crore for the period between 2023-24 and 2030-31 for a combination of “blue-sky research”, and some clearly defined goals. This made India the seventh country with a dedicated quantum mission. Four thematic hubs will be set up to research quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. The NQM targets “developing intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in eight years”. In addition, the NQM will develop satellite-based secure communications between ground stations over a range of 2,000 km, along with long-distance secure