Introduction
India’s quantum technology sector is making strides, but several challenges hinder its progress. Despite recent breakthroughs, such as the testing of a 6-qubit quantum processor by the DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), significant hurdles remain.
Here’s a detailed look at the gaps in India’s quantum technology sector and what needs to be done to overcome them.
Brief Overview
Component Supply Chain Issues: India faces severe shortages in essential quantum components, relying heavily on imports.
Talent Retention Challenges: There is a growing exodus of skilled professionals to international opportunities.
Lack of Domestic Manufacturing: The absence of a robust domestic supply chain is stifling progress.
Need for Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Embracing technologies like 3D printing and AI could help.
Focus on High-Level Innovation: India should prioritize top-down approaches rather than manufacturing small components.
Quantum Technology in India: A Promising Yet Challenging Landscape
India’s quantum technology sector has garnered attention with its ambitious National Quantum Mission (NQM), valued at Rs 6,000 crore.
This initiative aims to position India as a global leader in quantum computing. However, despite cabinet approval in 2023, the NQM has yet to make significant progress. Challenges such as component shortages and a lack of domestic suppliers are critical roadblocks.
Component Supply Chain: A Major Obstacle
India’s reliance on imported components is a significant challenge. Dr. Sankha Dip Das, Scientist E at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted the lack of a domestic supply chain for photonics components.
“There is no supply chain of photonics components from India. So if I want to build anything, I have to import,” he explained during a panel at the IET Future Tech Congress (FTC) 2024.
Sujoy Chakravarty, CEO of Quanfluence, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the scarcity of essential components.
“We work with photonics, but there are very few photonic component providers. On the electronics side, all our control systems rely on components like FPGAs, but we lack domestic suppliers for these as well,”
The dependence on foreign suppliers not only complicates logistics but also poses strategic risks for India’s quantum technology ambitions.
Talent Retention: A Growing Concern
India boasts a high number of graduates in quantum technology-relevant fields. According to a McKinsey report, India ranks second in the world for quantum technology graduates, just behind the European Union. However, the country faces a significant issue with retaining this talent.
Experts note a troubling trend: many skilled professionals are leaving India for better opportunities abroad.
A report by the Quantum Ecosystem Technologies Council of India (QETCI) suggests that this brain drain is exacerbated by competitive international offers.
“The reason you turn to photonics is for scalability. To achieve that, you need to convert much of the technology into photonic integrated circuits (PICs). But how many PIC designers are there in this country?” questioned Chakravarty.
The lack of specialized skills like PIC design is a critical gap that needs addressing.
Domestic Manufacturing: Building a Robust Ecosystem
Dr. Kasturi Saha, Associate Professor at IIT-Bombay, pointed out another critical issue: the absence of basic components within India.
“Everything that we have set up is imported—from the screws to the lens, the electronics, everything literally we import,” she said.
She advocates for leveraging India’s existing industrial base to manufacture fundamental components, arguing that this could address some of the supply chain issues.
Dr. Das suggested that India should invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing combined with AI and robotics.
“The particular set of things where investment needs to be made is setting up manufacturing and understanding what the manufacturing paradigm at this moment is going through,” he advised.
This approach could help India leapfrog current limitations and build a more self-reliant quantum technology sector.
Strategic Focus: Where Should India Excel?
Dr. Enrique Solano, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Kipu Quantum, expressed disappointment over the lack of significant breakthroughs in recent Indian quantum projects.
He emphasized the need for India to decide on specific areas to focus on within quantum technology.
“I would have expected to hear something bigger and hope that efforts are ramped up. Also, India must decide on areas where it wants to excel in quantum technology and then work on those to get ahead,” Solano said.
In comparison, China has made notable advancements, including the development of a 504-qubit superconducting quantum computing chip.
The US also maintains a competitive edge with numerous startups and major players like IBM. India’s quantum technology sector needs to accelerate its efforts and focus on high-level innovation to stay competitive.
Conclusion
India’s quantum technology sector stands at a critical juncture. While significant investments and initiatives like the National Quantum Mission offer promise, several key challenges need to be addressed.
The country must overcome component supply chain issues, improve talent retention, and develop a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
By focusing on these areas and leveraging advanced technologies, India can enhance its position in the global quantum technology race.
The path forward involves not only ramping up current efforts but also strategic decision-making on where to excel. India’s potential in quantum technology is immense, but realizing it requires overcoming these substantial hurdles.
This revised article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing India’s quantum technology sector, incorporating relevant data and insights to present a clear picture of the current landscape and future prospects.
