National Mission on Quantum Technologies & its Applications

Quantum technology relies on quantum mechanics laws, which emerged in the twentieth century to describe nature on the size of atoms and elementary particles. Quantum computers can imitate numerous classical computers functioning in parallel, utilising quantum superposition, a set of unbreakable codes, or super-fast information processing. Quantum technology can be seen in applications such as encrypted communication, improved disaster prediction, computer, simulation, chemistry, healthcare, crypto, and image processing, to name a few. Quantum theory has been extended to explain biological mechanisms such as smell, awareness, enzyme catalysis, photosynthesis, avian navigation such as the Robin’s, the genesis of life, and the impacts of coronavirus. This is why the government has launched NMQTA.

Quantum Mechanics

Albert Einstein proposed the theory of relativity in the early twentieth century; a separate mathematical breakthrough came in physics, defining the high-speed motion of objects. Quantum mechanics was the name for this theory. However, the three innovative concepts that gained acceptance and experimental proof between 1900 and 1930 are the origins of QM. These are quantized qualities, light particles, and matter waves.

• It is a scientific discipline that deals with the physical characteristics of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels
• It laid the groundwork for understanding the physical world, including the interplay of light and matter
• The theories and formulas of classical physics fail to address particle movement at a tiny scale. Objects (of common dimensions and speeds) occur in classical mechanics at a certain moment and in a particular location. On the other hand, objects exist in a cloud of possibility at the quantum level
• Quantum physics has resulted in technology development, including semiconductor transistors and lasers

National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NMQTA)

In the Union Budget of 2020, the government launched a National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NMQTA), which will be executed by the Department of Science and Technology and will cost Rs 8000 crore over five years.

In her Union Budget 2020 speech, Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman noted that the current economy is centred on innovations that challenge traditional business models. Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, drones, DNA data storage, quantum computing, and other technologies are reshaping the global economy. Many practical applications are predicted to arise from the theoretical frameworks being developed in this area. “Quantum technology is paving the way for new horizons in computing, communications, and cyber security, with a broad range of applications,” she said. 

NMQTA

Quantum innovations are quickly evolving around the world and have enormous transformative power. Quantum computers and computing, quantum communication, quantum key distribution, encryption, cryptanalysis, quantum devices, quantum sensing, quantum materials, quantum clocks, and other upcoming disruptive technologies will benefit from this project. The Mission will also focus on basic science, transcription, technical innovation, personnel and infrastructural resource production, creativity, and start-ups to address national concerns.

• NMQTA is among the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Innovation Advisory Council’s nine initiatives of national significance (PM-STIAC)
• It passes through the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor and contributes to academic research for India’s long-term growth
• The Mission will be administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• The program will satisfy society’s growing needs while also considering international technological developments
• The NMQTA has an executive committee that makes all the organisation’s decisions. There is a chairman, a member secretary, and six members. VK Saraswat is the current chairman
• Quantum Computing & Simulations, Quantum Materials & Devices, Quantum Communications, Quantum Sensor & Metrology are topics of interest in basic research and technology development

Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) was founded in May 1971 to foster potential opportunities for science and technology and serve as a central department for organising, coordinating, and promoting S&T activities throughout the country. It provides funding to several scientific programs in India that have been approved. It also helps Indian academics attend international conferences and participate in practical research & development efforts. DST is a department inside the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Conclusion

The advancement of Quantum Technologies is accelerating, and India must keep up. Quantum technology aids in achieving significant technological advancements in the fields of processing, communication, and encryption. Countries who use it will have an economic and leadership advantage over others on the world stage. Many apps are expected to support this architecture in the future. The preliminary stages of QT research, operational implementations, human resource availability, and technology development have all been completed. The NMQTA program will set standards that will be followed for all scientific work and will aid in the development of a pipeline that will sustain research and applications for many years to come.