India launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with an outlay of Rs 6003.65 crore over eight years to advance quantum technologies and translate research into practical applications.
The Department of Science & Technology (DST) established four Thematic Hubs to anchor the mission. IISc Bengaluru focuses on Quantum Computing, IIT Madras with C-DoT on Quantum Communication, IIT Bombay on Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and IIT Delhi on Quantum Materials & Devices. These hubs drive technology development, fabrication, testbeds, collaborative R&D, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships. Moreover, they involve 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 14 Technical Groups and 17 Project Teams.
NQM strengthens indigenous capabilities by supporting two major quantum fabrication facilities at IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay, along with smaller facilities at IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur. These centres focus on superconducting, photonic, and spin qubit chips, advanced sensor platforms, and quantum materials. Parliament highlighted that the facilities require Rs 720 crore and will reach completion by 2028.
DST also implements the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). IISER Pune hosts a Technology Innovation Hub in Quantum Technologies with Rs 170 crore sanctioned. The hub built a 20-qubit ion-trap quantum computing system and supports experiments in quantum cryptography, sensing, NMR-based computing, and optics.
Furthermore, NQM promotes entrepreneurship by supporting eight start-ups across computing, communication, sensing, and materials. IIT Bombay’s T-Hub collaborated with the Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India and signed agreements with industry players for lab-grown diamonds and nanopositioner technologies.
Human Resource Development forms a core mandate. AICTE introduced UG Minor and M.Tech programmes in Quantum Technologies, while NQM launched calls for Quantum Teaching Laboratories. The mission also supports fellowships, internships, and faculty training to build a strong quantum talent pipeline.
Parliament emphasised that these initiatives expand India’s research capacity, empower start-ups, and establish world-class fabrication facilities. Consequently, the National Quantum Mission positions India as a global leader in quantum technologies.
