India’s Quantum Leap: Government Calls on Start-ups to Develop First Quantum Chip

Quantum chips are at the forefront of a technological revolution, promising computing capabilities beyond the scope of traditional processors. Unlike classical bits, which can only be in a state of 0 or 1, quantum bits, or "qubits," can exist in multiple states simultaneously.

Introduction:


The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is embracing quantum technology’s potential by inviting start-ups and tech companies to contribute to the creation of India’s first Quantum chip.

This significant step aims to power some of the world’s fastest quantum computers, positioning India as a formidable player in the global quantum computing landscape. News18 recently obtained a document from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY), dated September 13, which outlines the government’s plan to collaborate with innovative entities for quantum chip development, from design to manufacturing.

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The Quantum Revolution in India:


India is on the brink of a groundbreaking revolution in computing with the development of quantum chips. Imagine your regular computer, but incredibly faster—about 100 million times faster! This is what quantum computers can be, thanks to quantum chips.

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is inviting tech start-ups and companies to help create India’s very first quantum chip. This chip is like the brain of a super-fast computer that can solve really tough problems, from healthcare to climate.

The government started a special mission with a big budget to develop homegrown quantum computers. India is also partnering with the United States for this exciting quantum journey.

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is leading this mission. They want to build computers that use quantum chips, and these chips will be crucial.

This means India is stepping into the future of computing and innovation. It’s like preparing to solve big challenges and become a leader in the world of super-fast computers.

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Government’s Call for Quantum Chip Development

The Indian government is taking a huge step in technology by asking small, innovative companies and tech firms to help create India’s very first quantum chip. This special chip is like the brain of a super-fast computer.

On September 13, 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology shared a document that explains how they will pick the small companies that will design and make this special chip.

This is a big deal because quantum chips can make computers work incredibly fast, solving really tough problems. The government is investing a lot of money in this project to make sure India becomes a leader in this amazing technology. It’s like getting ready to use super-speedy computers to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges

A Collaborative Development Partnership (CDP):

  • If a company gets selected, it’s like they become a special partner with the Indian government. They will work closely together to make quantum technology even better in India.
  • This special partner is called a “Collaborative Development Partner,” or CDP for short. They will be part of the team that’s making India’s quantum technology stronger and more amazing.
  • Imagine it’s like joining forces with a superhero team to make really cool gadgets. The company and the government will work hand-in-hand to make sure quantum technology becomes a big success in India. It’s like a big teamwork project to create something fantastic!

India’s Big Investment in Super-Fast Computers

  • In April, India started a special plan called the “National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications.” They set aside a huge amount of money, about 6,000 crore rupees (which is around 800 million US dollars), to make it happen.
  • This plan is all about building really powerful computers called quantum computers right here in India. It’s like making our own super-speedy machines.
  • Scientists and experts will work together to create these quantum computers. They’ll be able to solve very tough problems much faster than regular computers. This could help in important areas like medicine and understanding the environment.
  • So, India is putting a lot of effort and money into making sure we have the best technology, and it’s a big step towards solving some of the world’s hardest problems.

Indo-US Quantum Coordination Mechanism

  • India and the United States have become partners in doing really cool science together. They’ve set up a special way to work together on something called “quantum research.” This is a big deal because it shows that working together on quantum technology is important not just for India and the US, but for the whole world.
  • Imagine it’s like two superhero teams joining forces to do amazing things. They’ll share ideas, knowledge, and resources to make some really fantastic discoveries and inventions. It’s like saying, “Hey, let’s put our heads together and make some groundbreaking scientific discoveries!”
  • This partnership means that India and the US are serious about being leaders in this super advanced field of technology, and they want to share their findings with the rest of the world

The Quantum Chip’s Crucial Role

What is a Quantum Computing Chip?

A quantum computing chip serves as the processor for quantum computers and contains quantum bits, or “qubits,” which function differently from classical bits, allowing for exponential computational speed.

Quantum Computers’ Astonishing Speed:

Quantum computers are touted to be a staggering 100 million times faster than the most advanced supercomputers in existence.

C-DAC’s Quantum Initiative

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), operating under MeiTY, spearheads India’s quantum initiative.

  • C-DAC is committed to exploring and engaging in the visionary field of quantum computing, aiming to address grand challenge problems.
  • The development of quantum computers in India hinges significantly on the successful creation and integration of quantum processing chips.

The Collaborative Vision:

Unlocking Quantum Potential:

  • Quantum computing represents a transformative shift in computing capabilities, promising solutions to complex problems that were once insurmountable.
  • India’s quantum leap aims to harness this potential, driving innovation and scientific discovery.

Global Quantum Research Cooperation:

  • The collaboration between India and the United States underscores the global nature of quantum research, fostering international cooperation to accelerate advancements.

National Mission’s Investment:

  • The substantial investment of INR 6,000 crore reaffirms India’s commitment to nurturing a thriving quantum technology ecosystem on home soil.

Steps Towards Quantum Chip Development:

Inviting Quantum Pioneers:

  • Start-ups and tech companies with a keen interest in quantum technology are encouraged to participate in this pioneering endeavor.

Quantum Chip Design and Manufacturing:

  • The selected entities will be responsible for the comprehensive development of the quantum chip, encompassing both design and manufacturing processes.

Collaborative Development Partnership:

  • The Collaborative Development Partner (CDP) will work in tandem with the government to drive quantum technology’s growth within India.

The Quantum Leap’s Future Impact:

India’s Quantum Leadership:

  • By nurturing homegrown quantum computing capabilities, India aims to become a leader in quantum technology, fueling innovation and economic growth.

Solving Grand Challenges:

  • Quantum computing holds the potential to tackle complex, real-world challenges in areas like healthcare, climate modeling, and cryptography.

Global Scientific Contribution:

  • India’s active involvement in the global quantum research community enhances its reputation as a significant contributor to scientific advancements.

Conclusion:


India’s foray into quantum technology marks a pivotal moment in the country’s technological evolution. The government’s call to start-ups and tech companies for quantum chip development underscores India’s commitment to innovation and scientific progress. By nurturing quantum computing capabilities and fostering international collaboration, India is poised to unlock the immense potential of quantum technology, addressing complex challenges and driving global scientific discovery. This quantum leap positions India as a formidable player in the rapidly evolving world of quantum computing.

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL).

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