Latest progress of the National Quantum Mission (July 2024)

India establishes a national quantum mission in 2022 with a budget of 6 billion rupees, approximately $750 million. India is now one of the few countries actively investing in quantum technology to solve problems in the energy, healthcare and other sectors. India knows it must further intensify its efforts to keep pace with leaders like China and the United States in quantum science, although it already has a strong foundation of studies in the field.

Understanding quantum technologies

Quantum technology exploits the strange and often opposite behavior of subatomic objects like electrons, which can be in more than one place at the same time (superposition) and remain entangled over long distances. Tested in many experiments, these properties are now used in real-world applications such as quantum computing, communications, sensors and materials.

Scope of investment and global competition

China and the United States have invested and produced much more in quantum science than India. China has invested around $15 billion, while the United States has invested around $3.75 billion, much more than India is spending now. These countries also conduct much more research and invention applications than India. This makes competition in this area very difficult.

Current situation and prospects of India

Despite these problems, India has not started from scratch. In terms of the number of students studying quantum subjects, the country has more students than China and the United States combined. It also has strong research groups led by between 110 and 145 high-level scientists. Indian experts are the best in some subjects like communication and quantum sensing. This shows that India may be able to close the technology and innovation gap in these areas.

Drive strategic initiatives

The National Quantum Mission is seen by many as the beginning of a serious and planned effort to improve India in the use of quantum technology. To help achieve this goal, India should strongly encourage young people to become scientists. This could help the country build a dedicated group of quantum scientists, as it does in nuclear energy or space science. This strategic objective aims to create an ecosystem that can ultimately lead to technological leadership and greater economic returns. India wants to catch up and perhaps even beat its global competitors in quantum technology by leveraging its existing strengths and focusing on developing strategies and working with other countries.

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Current Affairs Quiz: 18 July 2024