Algo Rhythm: India bets big on quantum technology

Quantum technology is an emerging field of physics and engineering that leverages quantum mechanical properties. It has the potential to solve the most complex scientific and engineering problems. It will lead to a convergence of bits (classical), qubits (quantum), and neurons (AI-assisted programming) orchestrated through a hybrid cloud architecture.

In a recent study "The Quantum Revolution in India: Betting Big on Quantum Supremacy" NASSCOM and Avasant how India is poised to play a pivotal role in the quantum-technology revolution. The report is developed in consultation with over 25 experts in this field across all stakeholder groups, including technology and service providers, startups, and academic and scientific groups.

Gearing up for a giant leap

• Quantum ecosystem comprises 10-15 government agencies, 20-30 service providers, 15-20 startups and 40-50 academic institutions

• 92% of projects are government-sponsored

• Government’s Quantum Enabled Science and Technology (QuST) and National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NMQTA) will set the course. $1bn outlay planned over the next five years

QuST

• More than 51 projects funded under QuST programme

• Development of 8 qubit quantum computers, communication (fibre and free space), and cryptography

• Development of application-specific quantum algorithms, mathematical quantum techniques, and quantum information systems

• Human resources: 100 PhDs in quantum, training 2,000 students at various levels in advanced algorithms

Quantum’s potential

• Its adoption can add $280-310bn of value to the Indian economy by 2030

• To reach critical maturity by 2026-27, leading to increased enterprise adoption

• Manufacturing, high-tech, banking and defence sectors to lead the charge of adopting quantum technologies

• India can become an attractive destination for quantum R&D and software development

NMQTA: 3 broad agendas

• Develop an indigenous quantum computer with 50 qubits in 5 years

• Commercialise quantum solutions

• Establish long-distance quantum communication

Global initiatives

• November 2021: IBM launched a 127-qubit Eagle processor — the first quantum processor with over 100 qubits

• May 2021: Samsung launched Galaxy Quantum 2, with built-in quantum cryptography

• January 2021: China established a network for quantum QKD

• November 2021: UK and US agreed to collaborate on development of quantum science

Industry initiatives

• October 2021: Toyota explored new materials for batteries and fuel cells using quantum

• July 2021: BMW Group launched a global open innovation challenge for quantum computing solutions

• December 2019: Volkswagen demonstrated a real-time traffic-routing system using quantum computing

• Startups in India are building commercial quantum solutions. At present 12-13 startups are testing products