Mission Verticals & Thematic Hubs
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) operates through four dedicated Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) established as Section-8 companies. Each hub drives indigenous prototypes, shared cleanroom testbeds, and academic incubation programs.
Quantum Computing
T-Hub Host: IISc BengaluruCoordinates the design and synthesis of scalable processors. IISc coordinates cryogenic chip characterization cleanrooms and integrates local processors into the National Supercomputing Grid.
Key Technical Targets (2023 - 2031)
Physical Qubit Milestones
Develop 20-50 qubits (3 years), 50-100 qubits (5 years), and 50-1000 physical qubits (8 years) using superconducting and trapped-ion gates.
Quantum Simulation Lattices
Build optical atomic lattice simulators for chemical modeling and complex many-body molecular optimization.
Grid Cloud Access
Deploy shared cloud middleware, providing researchers direct execution access to local quantum processors.
Quantum Communication
T-Hub Host: IIT Madras & C-DOTTasked with building space and terrestrial secure key distribution channels. Partners with ISRO for satellite links and C-DOT for central metropolitan fiber key systems.
Key Technical Targets (2023 - 2031)
2000 km Satellite Link
Demonstrate secure free-space satellite-based QKD links over a ground range of 2000 km in India, and secure linkages with other countries.
Metropolitan Fiber Grids
Establish inter-city QKD fiber networks extending over 2000 km range, incorporating multi-node routers and quantum memories.
PQC Cryptosystems
Define and standardize quantum-resistant cryptography (PQC) standards for federal networks and critical banking infrastructure.
Quantum Sensing & Metrology
T-Hub Host: IIT BombayTasked with building atomic-level sensors for diagnostics, geological search, and GPS-independent navigation. Collaborates with CSIR-NPL and defense sectors.
Key Technical Targets (2023 - 2031)
NavIC Atomic Clocks
Manufacture high-stability cesium and rubidium atomic clocks to calibrate satellite timing synchronizations in the NavIC system.
Vapor-Cell Magnetometers
Deploy high-sensitivity vapor-cell magnetometers for non-invasive medical brain imaging (MEG) and underground mineral mapping.
Gravity Gradiometers
Build portable quantum gravity sensors and sensors for autonomous inertial navigation in communications.
Quantum Materials & Devices
T-Hub Host: IIT DelhiFocused on topological materials synthesis and shared semiconductor cleanroom operations. Collaborates with domestic fabrication units for sub-kelvin packaging.
Key Technical Targets (2023 - 2031)
Materials Growth Cleanrooms
Synthesize high-purity superconductors, topological insulators, and single-photon emitting 2D materials locally.
Cryoelectronic Packages
Design wafer assemblies and lithography packages suitable for multi-qubit chips at temperatures below 1 Kelvin.
Waveguides & Detectors
Fabricate high-efficiency single-photon and entangled-photon source chips and custom semiconductor optical components.