Two years after it was initially announced, the Center is now gearing up to launch the long-awaited Rs 8,000-crore quantum mission to expand its capabilities in the fast-growing world of quantum computers, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood said. , said the principal scientific advisor. government.
“Whether it is telecommunications, electronics, space or defence, every department needs the secure communication that quantum technology can provide. It’s an extraordinary science. We discussed it two years ago. Now it’s on many ministries. and is expected to be launched very soon,” the government’s top scientist told News18 in an exclusive interview.
With a budget outlay of Rs 8,000 crore for a period of five years, the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA) will be headed by the Department of Science and Technology. The mission will build on expertise in quantum frontiers that will be essential for national security, and for the development of quantum computers, quantum chemistry, quantum communications, new materials, quantum sensors, as well as quantum cryptography.
“At the country level, we are not yet ready with the next generation of skilled human resources that we need for the quantity. This requires a very high level of preparation, and that will be the main focus of the mission. This golden period because this technology will still take many years to mature. India We got a quick lead when the IT revolution happened in the 1990s, we should start preparing for Quantum now. If we have to secure our communications and banking transactions, we will need algorithms, and it will not happen overnight,” Sood emphatically said, adding that the mission will support not only basic research and development, but also a Will also consider making a decision. Contribution that can be translated into results.
As the race for quantum computing heats up globally, the eminent physicist said the mission will address what India can do immediately to build those capabilities for the future. “This is extraordinary. This is the science of youth,” he remarked. The issue was also discussed in the latest PM’s Science technology and the Innovation Advisory Council (STIC) meeting.
With a computing power comparable to that of the most powerful computers currently available, quantum computing is projected to be a game changer for the world, particularly in terms of national security, and providing an “unhackable” channel of communication. According to a recent McKinsey report, funding for start-ups focused on quantum technologies has more than doubled in 2020 to 2021, and quantum computing is now expected to capture a value of about $700 billion by early 2035. There is potential, with that market estimated to be over $90. billion annually by 2040.
Working Groups for Start-ups
The top scientist also highlighted the government’s plans to further boost the start-up ecosystem in the country.
While work on the AGNI (Acceleration of New India Innovations) mission for commercialization of innovative solutions in collaboration with Invest India is already in progress, discussions are on to support more budding start-ups .
“We would like to focus on deep-technology start-ups. In the long run, this is the kind of technology the country will be known for. We are currently in the process of identifying gaps in the ecosystem as well as the policy side including adequate infrastructure support. A policy paper on this along with other stakeholders will be brought out soon. We have also created an action group to list our focus areas for long lasting impact.”
Another important area would be to encourage more start-ups to work on government-inspired initiatives that include clean water, clean energy, recycling and electric vehicles, and expand their business potential. “This is the new direction that the Agni mission has now taken,” he said. “We also want to encourage start-ups to explore alternatives to lithium-ion, which may not be the only solution for battery storage. There is a limited supply of lithium and cobalt. We need to develop advanced electro-chemistry. All these efforts have to be supported together, but for this we have to think out of the box.
NRF will be ready in 6 months
Still a pain point for many universities and state research centers due to inadequate research grants, and insufficient resources, Professor Sood said that the government has worked out the details and the National Research Foundation (NRF) scheme will be implemented within the next six months. Will be ready to implement. month.
“It is at a very advanced stage. Our office is in constant dialogue with the concerned ministries to remove all the hurdles, and it is ready for launch. Several rounds of consultations have already taken place, and progress is being made. It can be launched in the next six months or maybe even earlier.
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