DEHLI: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) of India, approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of Rs. 6003.65 crore for eight years, aims to advance the country’s capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. Since its launch, significant steps have been taken to build a quantum computing ecosystem, but expenditure and implementation remain areas of concern.
According to information provided by the Government of India in response to questions in the Rajya Sabha on March 27, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) focusing on different quantum technologies. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, is leading research in Quantum Computing, while IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics, is focusing on Quantum Communication. Similarly, IIT Bombay is spearheading research in Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and IIT Delhi is working on Quantum Materials and Devices. Additionally, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai have demonstrated a 6-qubit quantum processor, and the Department of Space has successfully tested free-space Quantum Key Distribution over a distance of 300 metres.
Despite these advancements, financial and infrastructural challenges persist. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Rs. 704.10 crore was allocated for NQM, and this amount is set to increase annually, reaching Rs. 1260.98 crore in 2025-26 before gradually declining towards the mission’s completion in 2030-31. As of now, Rs. 43.07 crore has been spent under the mission. Furthermore, Rs. 68 crore has been allocated to support eight start-ups working on quantum technology, including QuNu Labs Private Limited, QpiAI India Pvt. Ltd, and Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
One of the critical objectives of NQM is human resource development in quantum technologies. In collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), DST has developed a curriculum for quantum technology, which is now available for use by academic institutions. However, no additional budgetary allocations have been made to increase seats in postgraduate research programmes. The mission aims to train 500 individuals in quantum technologies by 2024-25 and increase this number to over 1,400 by 2027-28.
While the establishment of research hubs and financial commitments indicate a positive trajectory, experts argue that India’s quantum computing sector still faces hurdles in terms of funding utilisation and industry participation. The total funds allocated for quantum research and development projects in 2024 amounted to Rs. 126.95 crore, but only Rs. 69.81 crore has been utilised. Of these, DST utilised Rs. 19.91 crore out of its allocated Rs. 31.84 crore, while the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology used Rs. 28.82 crore from its Rs. 68.03 crore allocation. The DRDO and Department of Space reported better fund utilisation rates.
Collaboration with private industries remains another area of focus. The four T-Hubs have fostered partnerships with 43 academic institutions across India, engaging 152 researchers, with scope for private sector participation. However, sustained industry involvement and investment in large-scale quantum projects will be essential for realising the mission’s objectives.
While India has made notable progress in quantum computing and associated technologies, successful implementation of NQM will depend on continued financial support, better fund utilisation, and deeper industry-academia collaborations. The mission holds the potential to position India among the global leaders in quantum technology, provided that strategic challenges are addressed effectively in the coming years.
