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The NITI Aayog Frontier Tech Hub, in partnership with IBM, has released a national roadmap titled “Transforming India into a Leading Quantum-Powered Economy.” The roadmap outlines steps to position India among the world’s top three quantum economies by 2047.

What is Quantum Technology?

Quantum technology uses principles of quantum mechanicssuch as superposition and entanglementto develop capabilities beyond classical systems.

Global Potential: By 2035, quantum technologies could generate USD 1–2 trillion in global economic value across sectors.

Four Key Pillars of Quantum Technologies

• Quantum Computing: Uses qubits instead of classical bits, enabling exponential speed-ups for complex problems like optimisation, cryptography, and drug discovery.
• Quantum Communication: Employs Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and entanglement for ultra-secure communication where eavesdropping can be detected.
• Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Uses quantum effects for extremely precise measurements (atomic clocks, magnetometers, navigation systems).
• Quantum Materials: Development of advanced materials using quantum properties such as superconductivity and topological states.

India’s Quantum Policy Framework

• India entered the global quantum race with the launch of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023 (2023–24 to 2030–31).
• Objective:To seed, nurture and scale scientific and industrial R&D and build a vibrant quantum innovation ecosystem.

India’s Current Strengths

• Talent Base: India ranks 2nd globally in quantum-relevant graduates (~91,000 annually)
• Strong IT & software ecosystem suitable for quantum software and services
• Growing state-level initiatives, such as:
  • Quantum Research Park (Karnataka)
  • Amaravati Quantum Valley (Andhra Pradesh)

Vision for 2035

The roadmap outlines measurable goals:

• Incubate at least 10 globally competitive quantum startups, each crossing USD 100 million revenue
• Capture over 50% of global quantum software and services market value
• Achieve scaled deployment of quantum tech in strategic sectors
• Secure key positions in the global quantum supply chain
• Become a source of foundational research and intellectual property

Priority Application Areas

• Secure communications and cybersecurity
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals (drug discovery, molecular simulation)
• Financial services (risk modelling, portfolio optimisation)
• Logistics and supply chain optimisation
• Climate modelling and advanced materials

Key Recommendations of the Roadmap

• Expand Quantum Workforce: Rapidly scale scientists, engineers, and industry-ready professionals within 2–3 years.
• Accelerate Lab-to-Market Transition: Simplify research, testing, and commercialization pathways to shorten innovation cycles.
• Retain Deep-Tech Startups in India: Make India attractive for quantum startups so most remain domestically registered.
• Lead Global Standards: Actively participate in international quantum standards bodies to ensure Indian technologies gain global acceptance.
• Strengthen Trade Ecosystem: Facilitate easier import/export of quantum components and technologies.

Role of NITI Frontier Tech Hub

• The Frontier Tech Hub of NITI Aayog functions as an “action tank” supporting India’s long-term technology leadership.
• It collaborates with experts across government, academia, and industry to design 10-year roadmaps across 20+ frontier technology sectors.

Significance for India

• Economic Growth: Entry into a high-value, future-defining technology sector
• Strategic Security: Quantum communication and computing have major defence and cybersecurity implications
• Technological Sovereignty: Reduces dependency on foreign critical technologies
• Innovation Leadership: Opportunity to lead rather than follow in a next-generation tech revolution