NEW DELHI – Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh recently announced a substantial investment in India’s advanced technology sector, establishing four new Quantum Fabrication and Central Facilities. This initiative, backed by Rs 720 crore , aims to significantly boost the nation’s capabilities in quantum science and technology.
The state-of-the-art facilities will be strategically located across four premier institutions: the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Delhi. Minister Singh confirmed these developments during a visit to IIT Bombay, highlighting their role under the government’s overarching National Quantum Mission (NQM) .
Building Technological Sovereignty
Minister Singh stated that these cutting-edge facilities mark a decisive leap in India’s journey toward technological sovereignty. The investment is intended to position India among a select group of global leaders actively advancing next-generation quantum technologies. This move is crucial for national security and economic independence in high-tech domains.
The core objective involves creating a robust, foundational hardware ecosystem within India. This ecosystem will be vital for designing, fabricating, and scaling sovereign, secure, and scalable quantum devices and systems. Such capabilities are essential for safeguarding national interests and fostering self-reliance in critical technologies.
Focus on Key Quantum Areas
The newly announced facilities will develop advanced fabrication and characterisation capabilities across three primary quantum fields: quantum sensing, quantum computing, and quantum materials. These areas represent the bedrock for future innovations in computing power, secure communication, and ultra-precise measurement.
Each designated institution will play a specific role in this national effort. IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur are tasked with anchoring the infrastructure dedicated to quantum sensing and metrology. This involves developing highly sensitive instruments for various applications, from navigation to medical diagnostics.
IISc Bengaluru, in collaboration with IIT Bombay, will drive advancements in quantum computing fabrication. Their work will focus on developing the physical components of quantum computers using different types of qubits, specifically superconducting, photonic, and spin qubits. These are fundamental units that enable quantum calculations.
IIT Delhi will host India’s dedicated ecosystem for quantum materials and device development. This includes researching and creating new materials with unique quantum properties and developing prototypes of indigenous quantum devices. The goal is to move from theoretical concepts to practical, working hardware.
Fostering Innovation and Expertise
Minister Singh emphasized that these facilities will provide a controlled environment for prototyping indigenous quantum devices. This setup is crucial for rapid experimentation and refinement of new technologies developed within India. It supports the entire lifecycle from concept to functional prototype.
Additionally, the facilities will support translational research, bridging the gap between academic discoveries and industrial applications. This focus ensures that scientific breakthroughs contribute directly to practical, deployable technologies. A key benefit will be the training of the next generation of quantum hardware experts, building a skilled workforce for India’s future.
The accessibility of these facilities extends beyond NQM investigators. Academic institutions, industrial partners, burgeoning startups, and strategic government sectors across India will have access. This broad engagement aims to cultivate a collaborative and innovative environment, accelerating national progress in quantum technologies.
Minister Singh concluded by stating that the Rs 720 crore quantum facilities will act as a significant springboard. They will empower India to independently design, fabricate, and scale its own quantum technologies. This national effort is set to usher in an era of sovereign, secure, and world-class scientific innovation, positioning India competitively on the global stage for quantum hardware development.