According to the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 31 July 2025, India is taking coordinated steps to strengthen its capabilities in quantum technology through the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which has been allocated a budget of Rs 60.04 billion for a period of eight years.
The mission, led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has established four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) focused on distinct areas of quantum technology i.e. quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. These hubs are supported by 14 technical groups functioning across 17 states and 2 union territories. Their work encompasses technology development, human resource training, startup support, industry engagement, and collaboration with international institutions.
Meanwhile, the government has introduced formal guidelines to encourage startups working in quantum technologies. The Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune has implemented these guidelines and has already extended support to eight startups focusing on quantum solutions.
Multiple government departments are contributing through specialised projects. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technology and has also set up the Metro Area Quantum Access Network (MAQAN) in Chennai, forming a secure quantum communication testbed. Similarly, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, has developed a 6-qubit quantum processor using superconducting circuit technology.
Additionally, the Department of Space (DoS) demonstrated free-space quantum key distribution over a 300-metre distance using real-time processing, thereby showcasing live communication through a quantum-secured network. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has also created a cold atom-based gravimeter at the Raja Raman Centre for Advanced Technology in Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has developed products that integrate quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and has also set up a centre of excellence in quantum communication.
The NQM has laid down clear and time-bound targets. These include building intermediate-scale quantum computers with 20–50 physical qubits in three years, 50–100 qubits in five years, and 50–1000 qubits in eight years. Additionally, the mission seeks to establish satellite-based secure quantum communications spanning 2000 kilometres both within India and internationally. A call for proposals to design indigenous quantum algorithms is currently open to researchers and academicians, with a submission deadline of August 10, 2025.
