India to Elevate Quantum Tech Sector Through Education and Training

India must invest significantly in human resources for quantum technology, focusing on higher education and training, according to Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government. Speaking at a panel discussion on the National Quantum Mission (NQM) by itihaasa Research and Digital, Sood highlighted the need for professionals in this emerging field.

Before 10 years ago, there were very few people working on quantum technologies. We need to build this human resource in a very major way. We started an M.Tech in nanoscience at 10 places. Something similar needs to be done for quantum technologies. Currently, such programmes exist at IISER Pune and IISc Bangalore, but this requires more enhancement, Sood said.

Focus on Domestic Manufacturing

Sood also emphasised the importance of developing domestic capabilities to manufacture quantum computing equipment, which are currently largely imported. "Our preparedness to make equipment, especially for quantum computing, is limited. We must build up that capability sooner rather than later," he stated.

Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, noted that pre-mission programmes like QuEST and smaller R&D projects have fostered a community of about 150 to 200 quantum researchers in India. "A strong research community exists today. The government aims to form technical groups in four areas of quantum technology by August-September," Karandikar said.

Support for Startups

He also mentioned that the NQM governing board has approved a policy to support startups. "After forming the technical groups, we will launch a program to invest in startups. Some of the startups in India have global potential, and the National Quantum Mission intends to support them," he added.

According to itihaasa Research and Digital, a global comparison of education programmes in quantum technologies in 2022 indicates that it is a major focus area in many countries. Around 162 universities and institutions worldwide offer educational programs and research activities in quantum technologies.

Educational Programmes in India

In India, premier institutions such as IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IISc, and several IISERs Pune, Mohali, Kolkata offer educational programmes in quantum technologies. IISc and the Defence Institute of Advanced Technologies offer M.Tech. programmes in quantum technologies.

In 2024, IISER Pune launched a Master of Science (MS) program in quantum technologies. IIT Madras offers a specialization in quantum science and technologies within its dual-degree programme.

The National Quantum Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in April last year. It aims to boost scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology. Objectives include developing 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 creating high-sensitivity magnetometers, atomic clocks, quantum materials, and photon sources for various applications.

This initiative reflects India's commitment to advancing its capabilities in quantum technology through education and domestic manufacturing while supporting innovative startups with global potential.