Cabinet-approved national development program under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) targeting scientific and industrial capacity building in Quantum Technologies (2023-24 to 2030-31).
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is an official scientific development program managed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) with a budget outlay of ₹6,003.65 Crore.
The program is organized to establish national capabilities in quantum processors, communication infrastructure, sensing instruments, and topological materials. Operations are structured over an eight-year timeline (2023-24 to 2030-31).
Implementation is coordinated through four dedicated Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) established as Section 8 non-profit organizations. These hubs serve as unified networks connecting academic researchers, private startups, and public testing laboratories.
“The National Quantum Mission represents a key step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced research and manufacturing. By strengthening indigenous capabilities across computing, communications, and materials science, we aim to secure India's position in critical emerging technologies.”
“NQM is structured to bridge foundational academic research with industrial translation. The establishment of the four thematic hubs creates a unified network coordinating intellectual capital, advanced facilities, and startup translation.”
NQM is implemented through four Section-8 companies acting as central nodes. These hubs coordinate academic research, industrial prototyping, and shared infrastructure access across India.
Targeting 20-50 qubits (3 yrs), 50-100 qubits (5 yrs), and 50-1000 physical qubits (8 yrs) across diverse platforms.
Establishing satellite-based secure QKD links spanning a 2000 km ground range and post-quantum cryptosystems.
Manufacturing precision rubidium atomic clocks for NavIC timing sync and high-sensitivity magnetometers.
Scaling synthesis of topological insulators, single-photon sources, and sub-kelvin cryogenic packaging.
The Department of Science and Technology invites proposals for secondary R&D partnerships linked with computing and communication thematic hubs.
Researchers at the IIT Madras Quantum Communication T-Hub achieved a record distance for local secure fiber QKD.
R. Sharma, S. Kumar, A. Gopal (IIT Delhi Hub)
Source: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics
M. Iyer, H. Nair, K. Balaji (IISc Bangalore Hub)
Source: Physical Review Applied
