India approves National Quantum Mission (NQM)

The Indian government has recently approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with the aim of establishing India as a leading nation in Quantum Technology (QT) development. The mission will focus on promoting and scaling up scientific and industrial R&D in Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA) in India, with a specific target of developing intermediate-scale quantum computers, secure quantum communications, quantum key distribution, quantum memories, and high-sensitivity magnetometers.

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The Indian government’s Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) from 2023-24 to 2030-31. The mission aims to promote and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in Quantum Technology (QT) in India, with the goal of making India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA). The mission targets the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers, secure quantum communications, quantum key distribution, quantum memories, and magnetometers with high sensitivity. Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be established in top academic and national R&D institutes to focus on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing & metrology, and quantum materials & devices. The mission is expected to benefit various sectors, such as communication and health, as well as space applications. It will also support national priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).