India Boosts Quantum Tech Sector with New Education and Training Initiatives

Ajay Kumar Sood, the government's principal scientific advisor, emphasized the critical need for substantial investment in human resources for quantum technology in India. Speaking during a panel discussion on the National Quantum Mission (NQM) organized by Itihaasa Research and Digital, Sood underscored the importance of enhancing higher education and training to develop professionals in this burgeoning field.

"Ten years ago, there were very few people working in the field of quantum technologies. We need to significantly develop this human resource. We initiated an M.Tech program in nanoscience at ten locations. A similar approach is necessary for quantum technologies. At present, such programs are available at IISER Pune and IISc Bangalore, but they need to be expanded," Sood stated.

Sood also emphasized the importance of developing domestic capabilities to manufacture quantum computing equipment, which is currently largely imported. "Our preparedness to make equipment, especially for quantum computing, is limited. We must build up that capability sooner rather than later", he added. 

Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, noted that pre-mission programmes like QuEST and smaller R&D projects have fostered a community of about 150 to 200 quantum researchers in India. "A strong research community exists today. The government aims to form technical groups in four areas of quantum technology by August-September", Karandikar said.

He also mentioned that the NQM governing board has approved a policy to support startups. "After forming the technical groups, we will launch a program to invest in startups. Some of the startups in India have global potential, and the National Quantum Mission intends to support them", he added. 

According to Itihaasa Research and Digital, a global comparison of education programs in quantum technologies in 2022 shows that many countries are heavily focusing on this area. Approximately 162 universities and institutions worldwide offer educational programs and research activities in quantum technologies. In India, leading institutions such as IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IISc, and several IISERs in Pune, Mohali, and Kolkata provide educational programs in quantum technologies. Additionally, IISc and the Defence Institute of Advanced Technologies offer M.Tech. programs in this field.

In 2024, IISER Pune introduced a Master of Science (MS) program in quantum technologies. IIT Madras now offers a specialization in quantum science and technologies as part of its dual-degree program. The National Quantum Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet in April of the previous year, aims to advance scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology. Key objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits by 2030-31, achieving secure quantum communications over 2000 km, and creating multi-node quantum networks.

The mission will also focus on developing high-sensitivity magnetometers, atomic clocks, quantum materials, and photon sources for a range of applications. This initiative demonstrates India's commitment to advancing its quantum technology capabilities through education and domestic manufacturing, while also supporting innovative startups with global potential.