Establishment of Thematic Hubs under National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Posted 01 Oct 2024

2 min read

Ministry of Science & Technology announced establishment of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) comprising 14 Technical Groups across 17 states and 2 Union Territories under NQM.

About T-Hubs

Thematic areas and their respective institutions:
- Quantum Computing (Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru);
- Quantum Communication ( IIT, Madras);
- Quantum Sensing & Metrology (IIT, Bombay);
- Quantum Materials & Devices (IIT, Delhi)
Significance of the T-Hubs: Brings together experts from diverse fields like physics, computer science, etc; bridges the gap between research and industry, etc.
Mode of operation: based on Hub-Spoke-Spike model, creates a collaborative network, connecting central hubs with research projects (Spokes) and individual research groups (Spikes).

About National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Aim: To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
Implementing agency: Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
- NQM is one of the nine missions under the Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
Mission duration: 2023 to 2031.
Targets: Developing intermediate-scale quantum computers, Satellite-based secure quantum communications, etc

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Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Technology

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- iDEX initiative: It fosters innovation in the Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, etc.
About QKD
- Utilizes properties of quantum mechanics that enables two parties to share random secret keys that are known only to them and can be used to encrypt or decrypt messages.
- Mechanism: Works by sending photons, which are “quantum particles” of light, across optical links.