Quantum Science

The designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations serves several key purposes:

Raising Awareness: This initiative aims to increase global awareness and understanding of the transformative potential of quantum technologies. Quantum physics has made remarkable strides in recent decades, with applications ranging from quantum computing and quantum cryptography to quantum sensing and quantum communications.

Promoting Collaboration: The International Year provides a platform to foster international collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers working in the quantum field. This can help accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies worldwide.

Educating the Public: Through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and public events, the International Year seeks to demystify quantum science and technology for the general public. This will help inspire the next generation of quantum scientists and technologists.

Highlighting Societal Benefits: Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize various industries, from finance and healthcare to climate modeling and national security. Showcasing these real-world applications can demonstrate the societal and economic benefits of investing in quantum research and innovation.

Driving Technological Advancements: The increased global attention and coordinated efforts during the International Year are expected to spur further advancements in quantum science and technology, potentially leading to breakthroughs with far-reaching impacts.

2025 marks 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics, which was pioneered by German physicist Werner Heisenberg.

This global initiative aims to strengthen national capacities in basic sciences and science education.

It also highlights the contribution of quantum science to our understanding of the physical universe, as well as the critical role of quantum science and technology in developing sustainable solutions.

About Quantum mechanics and its applications

Quantum Mechanics:

• Explains how tiny objects exhibit both particle and wave-like properties
• Provides the foundational principles for quantum technologies

Quantum Computing & Simulations:

• Uses qubits (subatomic particles) instead of classical bits
• Enables rapid processing of large datasets and complex calculations
• Advancing fields like healthcare, chemistry, logistics, and optimization

Quantum Communications:

• Includes post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution (QKD)
• QKD uses photons to transmit secure, random encryption keys

Quantum Sensing & Metrology:

• Uses individual particles like photons and electrons as highly sensitive sensors
• Improves measurement of forces, gravity, electric fields, and more

Quantum Materials & Devices:

• Development of quantum materials like superconductors and topological materials
• Enabling more efficient solar cells, LED lights, and climate modeling

The diverse applications of quantum technologies are rapidly advancing and transforming numerous industries. This overview highlights the incredible potential of quantum phenomena to revolutionize computing, communications, sensing, and materials science

Challenges in Quantum Technology Development

Regulation:

• Need for standards and protocols for hardware, software, and communication interfaces to ensure compatibility and interoperability.
• Establishing clear ownership and licensing frameworks for quantum-related intellectual property.

Availability of Infrastructure:

• Building and maintaining sophisticated labs, specialized equipment, and high-performance computing facilities requires significant resources and continuous upgradation.

Scalability:

• Scaling up quantum computers to hundreds or thousands of qubits while maintaining high levels of coherence and low error rates remains a major challenge.

Maintaining Colder Environments and Error Correction:

• Quantum computers require extremely cold environments (within a few thousandths of a degree of absolute zero) to eliminate thermal noise and vibrations.
• Developing reliable error correction techniques is essential for building practical quantum computers.

Other Challenges:

• Need for new programming languages, compilers, and optimization tools to effectively utilize the power of quantum computers.
• India's spending on Research & Development remains low at around 0.64% of GDP, with the private sector contributing less than 40% (compared to over 70% in developed countries).

India's Initiatives in Quantum Technology

National Quantum Mission (2023):

• Aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D
• Create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology

Quantum Enabled Science & Technology (QuEST):

• A research program to build quantum capabilities

Quantum Computing Applications Lab (QCAL):

• To accelerate quantum computing-led research and development
• Enable new scientific discoveries

Other Initiatives:

• National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NMQTA)
• Qsim – Quantum Computer Simulator Toolkit
• Quantum Frontier mission of Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC)
• Setting up of dedicated labs and centers at a military engineering institute at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh

Way ahead

Attract Private Investment:

• Implement tax breaks and financial incentives to encourage private companies to invest in quantum research and development.
• Offer grants and other funding mechanisms to support private sector participation in quantum initiatives.
• Establish public-private partnership models to leverage expertise and resources from both the public and private domains.

Promote Regional Infrastructure Development:

• Allocate resources to build quantum research infrastructure and facilities in various regions across India.
• This will help foster broader participation, talent distribution, and decentralized growth of the quantum ecosystem.

Establish a Dedicated Regulatory Body:

• Create a central regulatory authority focused on quantum technologies.
• This body should be responsible for drafting and implementing relevant regulations to govern the development and deployment of quantum systems.

Facilitate Technology Transfer:

• Develop mechanisms to bridge the gap between academic quantum research and commercial applications.
• Enable private companies to access and utilize cutting-edge quantum technologies developed through academic and public research.

Strengthen the IPR Regime:

• Establish transparent and efficient frameworks for the ownership, licensing, and technology transfer of quantum-related intellectual property.
• This will help protect innovations and encourage further private investment and commercialization.