Government plans to work with TCS, HCL and other IT giants for quantum technology

The government is reportedly looking to work with IT giants like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HCL and Tech Mahindra to develop software for quantum technologies, under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) that was cleared to boost research in quantum technology in the country.
“We are going to involve our software companies like TCS, HCL, Tech Mahindra etc., into this effort.We want them to do research on quantum technologies because there’s a huge amount of algorithms required for quantum,” Moneycontrol quoted Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder of HCL and chairman of the mission governing board of the National Quantum Mission, as saying.

What is National Quantum Mission

In April last year, the cabinet gave an approval to the scheme with a total outlay of a bit more than Rs 6,000 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2030-31 to scale up research and development. It will also support Indian startups and scientists working in the emerging area to create an innovative ecosystem in quantum technology in India.
Under the mission, the plan is to establish four research hubs focused on quantum hardware, encryption, sensors and materials. These hubs, expected to be operational by August 2024, will be located at premier research institutions like TIFR and IISc.
“Our classical computer was based on a transistor system but quantum computing will be based on atoms. So, it is fast, authentic and has much more speed. This cabinet decision is going to give India a quantum jump in the field of quantum technology,” Union science and technology, space and atomic energy minister Jitendra Singh said at that time.
“Normally, India has joined the elite clubs in different sectors after other countries had already excelled in those fields. But for the first time, we are entering this field when the first six countries — US, China, Canada, France, Austria and Finland — are also at the R&D stage,” Singh said.

What is Quantum computing

Quantum computing is used to solve problems – too complex for traditional computing – by tapping quantum physics.
Quantum Computers are in early stages but are promising in fields like medicine, materials science and artificial intelligence as they can help us design new drugs, create lighter and stronger materials, or develop smarter AI.
“Quantum technology will greatly benefit us in different sectors like communication, IT, pharmaceuticals, health, financial and energy sectors as well as drug design, space applications, and also give a boost to the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Singh added.