Recently, the government of India launched the National Quantum Mission with generous funding to build infrastructural research support for an internationally competitive ecosystem in quantum technology. One of the four main aims of this mission is to develop Made in India quantum computers, comprising 50 to 100 physical qubits, within five years.
To put things in perspective, classical computing employs binary bits, restricted to 1 or 0 states, while quantum computing utilises quantum bits, or qubits existing in both these states simultaneously, they can also be strongly interconnected through entanglement. These features enable quantum computers to have computational capabilities way better than conventional computers.
Quantum computers are a fusion of theoretical, experimental and cutting-edge technological advancements. They are based on two fundamental quantum notions. One is the concept of superposition of states — a quantum system can behave as if existing simultaneously in multiple states, like a cat being both alive and dead. Second, is the idea of entanglement. Two spatially separated quantum systems can behave as a single unit exhibiting counterintuitive correlated behaviour that cannot be explained classically.
Yet, the task of creating quantum computers capable of outperforming even the fastest supercomputers in practical applications is formidable. It demands a continuous augmentation of qubit numbers. The giant industry players like IBM, Google, AWS and AQT are vigorously trying to meet the challenge of constructing such quantum processors. In 2019, Google developed a quantum computer equipped with 53 qubits, which solved a complex problem within 200 seconds — a task that would typically demand 10,000 years for the world’s fastest supercomputer. Recently, IBM announced that it has developed the Condor computing chip comprising 1,000 qubits. This claim is being closely scrutinised.
A groundbreaking feat has been reported in Nature in early May, taking a major stride toward achieving quantum Internet. Scientists have been successful in connecting quantum computers through optical fibre across a distance of 25 kilometres from the University of Delft to the city of Hague in the Netherlands. At the same time, we are also moving towards post-quantum encryption to safeguard our data against potential attacks from future quantum computers.
These remarkable advancements collectively render studies and working in this field one of the most thrilling and fulfilling intellectual adventures of our era, having wide-ranging practical and commercial ramifications. The global quantum computing race we are now witnessing is analogous to the intense nuclear race preceding World War II and the subsequent space race.
Several leading academic and research institutions in our country, including Raman Research Institute and Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, various Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) across the country as well as institutes in and around Calcutta such as SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Indian Statistical Institute and Bose Institute have already embarked on activities related to the National Quantum Mission. Many Indian private enterprises have also joined in by setting up start-up companies such as QNuLabs, BosonQ-Psi, and QpiAI.
Being in its nascent stage, the robust demand for skilled professionals in quantum technologies is opening up wide-ranging vibrant possibilities.
Being the burgeoning industry that it is, quantum technology is poised to transform sectors such as cyber security, finance, drug discovery, meteorology, seismic predictions and so on.
More so, being an interdisciplinary area, students from any branch of physical sciences, mathematics and computer engineering can plunge into this area after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
In this context, participating in suitable international initiatives would be particularly rewarding for those aspiring to pursue a career in quantum science and technologies. For example, there are global events called quantum hackathons which are held annually. Specifically structured to cultivate an innovative outlook among young students and researchers towards crafting software and hardware solutions in quantum technologies, these events align closely with the primary objectives of the National Quantum Mission in India.
By bringing together budding coders with industry mentors, this unique initiative motivates and trains global participants to address real-world challenges and devise innovative solutions utilising quantum computing capabilities.
Urbasi Sinha, who set up the first Indian photonic science and quantum technology laboratory at Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru and has been selected for the distinguished international associates programme by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK, has mentored participants and also served as a judge at quantum hackathons for two consecutive years.
At the recently concluded 12th Annual NYUAD International Hackathon organised by New York University, Abu Dhabi, a student from Sinha’s laboratory was a key member of the winning team. Speaking to The Telegraph, Sinha said: “In this intensive programme, talented young minds from diverse regions of the world are selected through rigorous competition and tasked with exploring open-ended topics to unleash their creativity. Through collaborative efforts, they work towards developing innovative and technically demanding solutions using quantum computers for tackling the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.”
The winning team of this year will receive assistance to enhance their solution and showcase it at the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator annual summit in Geneva in October. As Sinha commented, “It is hoped that in the coming years, Indian participation in such events will grow. And this can play an important role in the development of human resources for the National Quantum Mission in India.”
