Charting India's quantum future: Policy, startups & pursuit of technological leadership

Time of India

13-05-2025

Few missions in India's tech landscape have generated as much excitement—and anticipation—as the
National Quantum Mission
(NQM). Launched in April 2023, and operationalised in earnest from January 2024, the mission aims to catapult India into the elite league of nations pioneering
quantum
technologies. With a bold focus on product development, indigenous innovation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, NQM is not just about research—it's about outcomes.
At the helm of this transformative initiative is Dr.
Ajai Chowdhry
, co-founder of HCL and Chairman of the EPIC Foundation, who chairs the Mission Governing Board. In this wide-ranging
interview
with ETGovernment's Ashutosh Mishra, Dr. Chowdhry outlines the structured and goal-oriented approach of the mission—covering everything from T-Hub development and startup incubation to upcoming quantum security standards and a national policy framework. India's quantum journey, it appears, is no longer a distant aspiration but a calibrated strategy in motion.
Edited excerpts:
Where does the National Quantum Mission currently stand in terms of execution?
The mission was launched in April 2023, but actual implementation began in January 2024 with the formation of the Mission Governing Board, which I was appointed to chair. The Board comprises key secretaries from DRDO, MeitY, Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Defence, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), where the mission is housed.
In our first meeting, we decided to get the R&D work started. The government had given a clear directive to establish four technology hubs (T-Hubs): one each in
quantum computing
, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials & devices.
We issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) within a week, and received an overwhelming 315 responses. After evaluating them over two months, we selected: IISc for quantum computing,
IIT
Madras for quantum communication, IIT Bombay for quantum sensing, and IIT Delhi for materials and devices.
Each T-Hub was asked to submit six-monthly detailed work plans. This is not research for the sake of research - the mission is product-oriented. The government has defined clear deliverables. For example, in quantum computing, the target is to build a 1000- qubit system. In communication, the goal is a secure 2500 km fiber and space link. Similarly, specific goals exist in sensing and materials.
What is the structure adopted for these T-hubs and their operations?
We're following a hub-and-spoke model. Along with the four hubs, we have selected 85 researchers from different institutes to work as spokes. Each hub will have its own governing board and a Section 8 company to allow operational flexibility - free from rigid government procedures. Each of these Section 8 companies will have a CEO and a board.
The hubs have submitted their detailed plans, which were approved by March 2025. Initial seed funding was provided around four months ago, and the next tranche of funding for research will be released within the next 15 to 30 days.
What are you doing to support startups and increase their interest and participation in the National Quantum Mission?
Startups are a crucial pillar. We've launched a dedicated startup program that allows for up to ₹30 crore in funding per startup - which is unmatched under any similar support scheme. Of course, the amount varies - some get ₹30 crore, others ₹15 crore, ₹10 crore, or ₹5 crore - depending on their merit.
The eligibility criteria include being an Indian company with at least 51% domestic ownership, and the IP must remain in India. In return, the government has put in place a unique security clause, that is, when these startups raise venture capital, they must offer the government the option to buy shares at a 30% discount. This is unprecedented in government funding models.
So far, eight startups have been awarded grants. The first cohort was launched in mid-2023, before the T-Hubs were ready. One of the existing Department of Science and Technology hubs handled the evaluations then. Now, with the T-Hubs operational, they will take over that responsibility going forward.
Any plans to scale the number of startups supported under the mission?
The first phase was through an RFP, and we received nearly 100 applications - eight were selected. We are now planning a new monthly rolling cohort model, where startups can apply by the 15th of every month. This new program is under discussion and awaiting board approval. We expect it to launch in the next month or so.
What are you doing, when it comes to the space of education and talent development in the Quantum computing space?
We've partnered with AICTE to launch an undergraduate curriculum in quantum technology, developed by a committee under the NQM. It will roll out in 75 universities starting July 2025, and the curriculum is already finalized. We're also providing lab equipment to these universities to support teaching requirements.
Additionally, we're training faculty and developing a vast library of supporting video content. An MS program is under development and should be ready in the next month or two. Meanwhile, an MS program was already launched at IISER Pune in September 2024, and the first cohort is underway from there.
How is the mission being coordinated across different efforts?
We've established a Mission Coordination Center in Noida, under the aegis of IIT Kanpur. Its role is to monitor and ensure that the hubs and projects stay on target. It will conduct six-monthly reviews and also oversee the startup initiative - at least until the T-Hubs fully take over.
What is being done on the policy and security front, especially with the quantum threat to cybersecurity?
We are developing a detailed quantum policy to guide all departments on transitioning from classical RSA standards to quantum-secure systems. The Board has approved the terms of reference, and a team has been constituted to write this policy.
The shift can't happen overnight - organizations like banks operate cybersecurity systems across thousands of sites. Hence, we are advising a staggered, long-term implementation plan. Departments like the armed forces have already taken the lead in this front and have begun implementing some quantum-secure measures.
We're also working on standards, accreditation, and product approvals. The Department of Defence (DoD) is helping us on this front, and we are collaborating with the
National Physical Laboratory
to define Indian standards rather than follow American benchmarks. We want to lead, not follow.
Despite recent developments in quantum computing, the momentum of private sector involvement in this field still seems limited compared to other emerging technologies. In your opinion, what needs to be done to increase private participation in quantum R&D?
We've held meetings with major IT companies -
TCS
,
Tech Mahindra
, HCL, Wipro - to encourage them to initiate quantum research in algorithms and applications, areas where they can significantly contribute.
We also brought in pharma companies to demonstrate how quantum technologies could aid drug discovery. The idea was to get the groundwork laid before pulling in large numbers. With over 150 people now involved, the base is strong. Ongoing funding will be tied to regular six-monthly milestone reviews.
On the funding, do you think the initial allotment of ₹6,000 crore, is adequate for such an ambitious program?
The total budget is ₹6,000 crore, with ₹4,000 crore under DST and ₹2,000 crore contributed by the Department of Space, Atomic Energy, and Defence. MeitY - though initially missed out - has now joined and allocated ₹500 crore, with plans to raise that to ₹1,000 crore.
Many people ask if this is enough, and I say - don't just look at the rupee number. The PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model will amplify what we can deliver. Let's first spend what we have. When we run out, we can always go back to the government and ask for more.
Amidst the ever rising cyber frauds - do you think quantum technologies can help curb rising cybercrime and financial frauds?
If we can make our systems quantum secure, today's cybersecurity challenges - especially in financial systems - can be dramatically mitigated. And that's the direction we're heading toward.