Thematic Hubs launched under National Quantum Mission

A milestone in the journey of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) was reached with the launch of the call for pre-proposals for setting up Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) launched by Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) Professor Abhay Karandikar on January 20, 2024, on the sidelines of the 9^th edition of the India International Science Festival.

The preproposal invites academia institutions/ R&D Labsto submit innovative pre-proposals in consortia mode aligned with objectives of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to setup T-Hubs in Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.

“The launch of the pre-proposal is an important step in the National Quantum Mission approved by the Cabinet last year. With a brainstorming session with researchers to identify expertise, strengths and opportunities scheduled soon, the National Quantum Mission is expected to see substantial progress in the next few months. The NQM will also work in collaboration with industry and startups to translate research to deployable technologies. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will provide necessary resources for success of submission and to facilitate researchers so that India evolves to a competitive position at the international level,” said Secretary DST Professor Abhay Karandikar, while launching the call.

He highlighted that the spirit of collaboration in the mission could help make a meaningful impact at the national and global level.

The pre-proposals should demonstrate the quantum technologies to advance the application of quantum science and technology. The highlights of the call as well as other detailswere elaborated upon by Senior Adviser DST and Secretary SERB Dr Akhilesh Gupta.

Recently at the 1^st meeting of Mission Governing Board (MGB) of National Quantum Mission (NQM) the committee had approved the decision to invite Call for Pre-proposals for inviting proposals for setting up of four technology hubs under NQM in consortia format.The launch of the pre-proposals was undertaken as a follow up to the approval, given the centrality of the NQM.

The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on 19^th April 2023 being implemented by DST with a total outlay of Rs.6003.65 Crore for a period of eight years. The Mission aims to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). This will accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).