New Delhi, India, needs to invest significantly in building human resources in quantum technology through a focused approach on higher education and training, the government's chief scientific advisor Ajay Kumar Sood said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a panel discussion on National Quantum Mission (NQM) organized by itihaasa Research and Digital, Sood emphasized the need for professionals in quantum technology as the field is still in its nascent stage in India.
"Before, 10 years ago, there were very few people working on quantum technologies. We need to develop this human resource in a very important way. We started an M.Tech in nanoscience in 10 places. Something similar should be done with quantum technologies. Currently, there are this type at IISER Pune and IISc Bangalore, but this requires further improvements," Sood said.
He also highlighted the need to develop domestic capabilities to manufacture quantum computing equipment, which is currently largely imported.
"Our readiness to manufacture equipment, especially for quantum computing, is limited. We must develop that capability sooner rather than later," he said.
Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said India's pre-mission programs such as QuEST and several smaller R&D projects have fostered a community of 150 to 200 quantum researchers in the country.
"Today there is a strong community of researchers. The government aims to form technical groups in four areas of quantum technology between August and September," Karandikar said.
He also said the NQM board of directors approved a startup support policy.
"After forming the technical groups, we will launch a program to invest in startups. Some of India's startups have global potential and the National Quantum Mission intends to support them," he said.
According to itihaasa Research and Digital, a global comparison of educational programs in quantum technologies in 2022 indicates that it is a major focus area in many countries. Around 162 universities and institutions around the world offer educational programs and research activities in quantum technologies.
In India, premier institutions like IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IISc and various IISERs (Pune, Mohali, Kolkata) offer educational programs in quantum technologies.
IISc and Defense Institute of Advanced Technologies offer M.Tech. programs in quantum technologies.
In 2024, IISER Pune launched a Master of Science (MS) program in quantum technologies. IIT Madras offers a specialization in quantum sciences and technologies within its dual degree programme.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in April last year, the National Quantum Mission aims to boost scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology. Goals include the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits by 2030-31, secure quantum communications over 2000 km, and multi-node quantum networks.
The mission will also focus on the creation of highly sensitive magnetometers, atomic clocks, quantum materials and photon sources for various applications.
Speaking at a panel discussion on National Quantum Mission (NQM) organized by itihaasa Research and Digital, Sood emphasized the need for professionals in quantum technology as the field is still in its nascent stage in India.
"Before, 10 years ago, there were very few people working on quantum technologies. We need to develop this human resource in a very important way. We started an M.Tech in nanoscience in 10 places. Something similar should be done with quantum technologies. Currently, there are this type at IISER Pune and IISc Bangalore, but this requires further improvements," Sood said.
He also highlighted the need to develop domestic capabilities to manufacture quantum computing equipment, which is currently largely imported.
"Our readiness to manufacture equipment, especially for quantum computing, is limited. We must develop that capability sooner rather than later," he said.
Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said India's pre-mission programs such as QuEST and several smaller R&D projects have fostered a community of 150 to 200 quantum researchers in the country.
"Today there is a strong community of researchers. The government aims to form technical groups in four areas of quantum technology between August and September," Karandikar said.
He also said the NQM board of directors approved a startup support policy.
"After forming the technical groups, we will launch a program to invest in startups. Some of India's startups have global potential and the National Quantum Mission intends to support them," he said.
According to itihaasa Research and Digital, a global comparison of educational programs in quantum technologies in 2022 indicates that it is a major focus area in many countries. Around 162 universities and institutions around the world offer educational programs and research activities in quantum technologies.
In India, premier institutions like IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IISc and various IISERs (Pune, Mohali, Kolkata) offer educational programs in quantum technologies.
IISc and Defense Institute of Advanced Technologies offer M.Tech. programs in quantum technologies.
In 2024, IISER Pune launched a Master of Science (MS) program in quantum technologies. IIT Madras offers a specialization in quantum sciences and technologies within its dual degree programme.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in April last year, the National Quantum Mission aims to boost scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology. Goals include the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits by 2030-31, secure quantum communications over 2000 km, and multi-node quantum networks.
The mission will also focus on the creation of highly sensitive magnetometers, atomic clocks, quantum materials and photon sources for various applications.
