India Pushes Superconducting Qubit Chips To Build Quantum Computing Ecosystem

New Delhi, Dec 18 (KNN) India is strengthening its capabilities in quantum computing through focused research and infrastructure development under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), with special emphasis on the development of superconducting qubit chips and related technologies.

The details were shared by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh in response to a Lok Sabha question.

Thematic Hubs Under National Quantum Mission

Under the NQM, four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) have been established to support technology development, human resource creation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. 

The quantum computing hub at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, is working with academic institutions, national laboratories and start-ups on superconducting qubits, photonic processors and other quantum platforms.

Several premier institutions are involved in quantum processor research, including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, Raman Research Institute and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai. 

These groups are working on diverse approaches such as superconducting qubits, semiconducting qubits, photonic processors and neutral atom systems.

Quantum technology start-ups such as QpiAI India, Dimira Technologies and Prenishq Ltd. are also participating in the ecosystem, focusing on superconducting quantum systems, cryogenic components and quantum photonics.

Advanced Infrastructure Development

To support superconducting qubit research, dilution refrigeration laboratories capable of operating at ultra-low temperatures have been initiated at institutions including TIFR Mumbai, IISc Bengaluru and TIFR Hyderabad. 

Access for Start-ups and MSMEs

The government has also indicated plans for developing a National Quantum Computing Fabrication Facility and indigenous quantum simulators. 

These initiatives are expected to provide access to start-ups and MSMEs for quantum hardware prototyping, algorithm development and testing.

(KNN Bureau)