The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is implementing the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with an outlay of ₹6003.65 crore for a period of eight years. Under the Mission, four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) are established in financial year 2024-25, each focusing on a specific domain of quantum technologies—namely Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices. The Quantum Computing T-Hub is set up at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, comprising six Technical Groups involving 30 researchers and 21 institutions across India, from both the government and private sectors. Under the technology vertical of Quantum Computing, DST has supported research projects aimed at building indigenous capabilities in various platforms such as superconducting qubits -Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, neutral atoms -Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, trapped ions-Indian Institute of Science Education & Research, Pune, semiconducting qubits-Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and photonic technology -Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. These projects address core challenges such as qubit design and control, error correction, and scaling, fostering homegrown solutions and driving innovation in this emerging field. Under the Quantum Enabled Science & Technology programme of DST, TIFR Mumbai has characterized a 3-qubit system in 2D architecture and 4-qubit system in 3D architecture. DST has also supported three startups in the area of Quantum Computing. One of these startups has developed a Quantum Computer with 25-Qubit Quantum Processor based on Superconducting Qubit technology. The detailed list of agencies working on Quantum Computing in the Government and Private Sectors is placed at Annexure I.

TIFR Mumbai, Department of Atomic Energy in collaboration with Defense Research and Development Organization has carried out end to end testing of a 6-qubit quantum computer featuring an indigenous Quantum Processor Unit.

The Government of India approved NQM for a period of eight years. However, the implementation of NQM broadly has three timelines, i.e. 3 years, 5 years and 8 years. Key deliverable of the mission in the area of Quantum Computing includes development of intermediate scale quantum computers with 20-50 physical qubits, 50-100 physical qubits and 50-1000 physical qubits in 3 years, 5 years and 8 years, respectively.DST has launched a Call for Proposals to support research in quantum algorithms to unlock the potential of quantum computing by enabling practical, scalable, and impactful algorithmic solutions. DST has also issued a rolling call for supporting startups in the area of Quantum Computing.

Annexure -I

List of Agencies working on Quantum Computing

 

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

 ***

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2158388)