Research will be carried out by thematic hubs, which are consortiums of research institutions. Each such hub will tackle one among the verticals of quantum research — quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing and quantum materials.
A week after the Union cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at Rs 6,003 crore, several leading experts in the field met at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru this week to break down the course the NQM intends to take.
Research will be carried out by thematic hubs, which are consortiums of research institutions. Each such hub will tackle one among the verticals of quantum research — quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing and quantum materials.
According to a statement, these hubs will “undertake translational research, incubate and support startups, network with industries and international collaborators alongside running outreach programmes.”
Institutes are also likely to drive the functioning of these hubs based on their expertise. For instance, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumabi is one of the leading institutes in quantum computing, the Raman Research Institute’s Department of Science and Technology in quantum communications, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, in quantum sensing, and Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Quantum Material Research.
The Raman Research Institute itself has made breakthroughs recently. After prior success in quantum key distribution (QKD) between stationary transmitters, the feat was replicated with a moving transmitter this year.
Dr Urbasi Sinha of the Raman Research Institute said, “We have been actively working on quantum communications for several years. The goal is to connect the whole country using QKD and satellite-based communication. The NQM will take quantum research and technology to the next level.”
source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)