India Celebrates World Quantum Day 2024, Embarks on Ambitious Journey in Quantum Science and Technology

New Delhi: India marks World Quantum Day 2024 on April 14 with a vision to position itself as a global leader in various facets of Quantum Science and Technology. As the realm of Quantum Mechanics continues to evolve, India’s aspirations to harness its potential for technological innovation and socio-economic growth have gained momentum.

Quantum Mechanics, which explores the behavior of atoms and sub-atomic particles, has transitioned from theoretical studies to practical applications, paving the way for groundbreaking technologies such as Quantum Computing, Quantum Communications, and Quantum Sensing. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize sectors ranging from healthcare to national security.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, underscored the transformative impact of quantum technology on a global scale. He emphasized the importance of addressing emerging threats posed by quantum computers to encryption algorithms, highlighting the need for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to ensure data security.

India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), a flagship initiative aimed at fostering scientific and industrial research in Quantum Technology, plays a pivotal role in realizing the country’s quantum aspirations. With an approved outlay of Rs 6003.65 Crore for eight years, NQM aims to establish a vibrant ecosystem for Quantum Technology research and development.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), emphasized the collaborative nature of NQM, which brings together academia, research labs, startups, and industry players. The mission seeks to establish four Thematic Hubs focusing on Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices.

Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman of the Mission Governing Board (MGB), lauded India’s decision to invest in quantum technology, emphasizing its significance in the digital economy and geopolitics. He highlighted the critical role of quantum cryptography in safeguarding critical infrastructure and reiterated India’s commitment to achieving global standards in Quantum Technology through NQM.

Prof. Urbasi Sinha, Quantum Information and Computing Lab, Raman Research Institute, emphasized India’s strides in secure quantum communications and outlined the country’s roadmap towards establishing a nationwide Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network.