Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000 km quantum communication network within two years of launch

Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000 km quantum communication network within two years of launch

Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000 km quantum communication network within two years of launch.This milestone has been achieved ahead of schedule against the target of 2,000 km secure quantum communication over 8 years.The network is based on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and developed using indigenous technology by QNu Labs.The 1,000 km network is among the longest QKD deployments globally, marking a landmark advancement in secure quantum communication.It enables data transmission using quantum principles, replacing classical binary systems (0s and 1s).

Significance

¨     Strengthens secure communication infrastructure for defence, financial systems, and critical sectors.

¨     Demonstrates rapid progress in indigenous quantum capability, reducing dependence on foreign technologies.

¨     Enhances India’s position in the global quantum technology race.

¨     Contributes to building a secure digital ecosystem against cyber threats.

¨     Expanding startup participation and R&D funding reflects growing industry interest and ecosystem development.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

¨     It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023 with a financial outlay of ₹6003.65 crore for the period 2023–24 to 2030–31.

¨  It is one of the nine initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

¨     It focuses on advancing quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.

¨     The mission aims to seed, nurture, and scale quantum technologies in the country while fostering a vibrant ecosystem of R&D, startups, and skilled human resources.

¨     It seeks to accelerate quantum-led economic growth, enhance technological self-reliance, and position India at the forefront of next-generation technologies.

Core Objectives

¨     Quantum Computing Development: Build quantum computers with 20–50 qubits (3 years), 50–100 qubits (5 years), and up to 1000 qubits (8 years) across superconducting and photonic platforms.

¨    Satellite-Based Quantum Communication: Enable quantum-secured communication over 2000 km and expand for international connectivity.

¨    Inter-City QKD Network: Develop 2000 km quantum communication networks using optical fibre infrastructure with trusted nodes.

¨     Multi-Node Quantum Networks: Establish scalable quantum networks (2–3 nodes) using entanglement swapping and quantum repeaters.

¨   Quantum Sensing & Atomic Clocks: Develop ultra-sensitive sensors and high-precision clocks for navigation, communication, and defence applications.

¨   Quantum Materials & Devices: Develop advanced materials like superconductors and topological materials for quantum devices and photon systems.

Implementation Strategy

¨     Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) have been established across India.

¨     These hubs bring together 14 Technical Groups across 17 states and 2 Union Territories.

¨     Focus areas include technology innovation, skill development, entrepreneurship, industry partnerships, and global collaborations.

¨     Participation of women scientists is actively encouraged.

¨     Hub-Spoke-Spike Model: Each T-Hub follows a Hub-Spoke-Spike structure.

¨     Hubs: Central institutions coordinating research.

¨     Spokes: Thematic research projects.

¨     Spikes: Individual research groups.