India Accelerates Quantum Computing Development with National Quantum Mission
India is advancing its quantum computing efforts with a planned national quantum computer expected by 2026. This effort is led by the government’s National Quantum Mission, which aims to position India among the world leaders in quantum technology.
India’s Current and Future Quantum Systems
Currently, India operates a 7-qubit quantum computer at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai. Recently, Bengaluru-based startup QpiAI launched the QpiAI-Indus, a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer. This marks India’s first full-stack quantum computing system, integrating advanced processors with AI-enhanced solutions.
Over the next five years, India plans to invest nearly $1 billion in quantum computing research and infrastructure. According to Ajai Chowdhry, chairman of the National Quantum Mission’s governing body, India will build a 6-qubit system within months, scale to 50-100 qubits in five years, and aim for a 1,000-qubit quantum computer within ten years.
The National Quantum Mission’s goals include establishing satellite-based secure quantum communication networks across India and with international partners. Plans also involve building multi-node quantum networks, developing atomic clocks, and advancing magnetometers for precise navigation.
Key Research Centres and Technological Initiatives
India’s quantum research is organised into four thematic hubs:
Quantum Computing: Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Quantum Communication: IIT Madras
Quantum Sensing & Metrology: IIT Bombay
Quantum Materials & Devices: IIT Delhi
In addition, the Quantum Valley Tech Park in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, is under construction and expected to open by January 2026. Managed by Larsen & Toubro, it will serve as India’s first quantum technology park.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, has set up a Quantum Computing Applications Lab. ISRO has also demonstrated secure quantum communication over 300 metres, marking significant progress in satellite-based quantum communication.
India has seen achievements like developing a 6-qubit quantum processor and demonstrating quantum key distribution (QKD) over 100 kilometres using existing fibre networks. C-DAC is building a quantum reference facility in Bangalore to support software and hardware development for quantum technologies.
IIT Mandi is developing a unique room-temperature optical quantum computer, expected to analyse data with high accuracy without relying on traditional algorithms.
Indian Startups Driving Quantum Innovation
Startups play a key role in India’s quantum push. QpiAI, known for its QpiAI-Indus system, and BosonQ Psi, which develops quantum simulation software, are leading the way. Both companies are based in Bangalore.
The government has also identified eight startups under its innovation schemes to develop technologies in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials:
QNu Labs – Quantum-safe communication solutions
QpiAI India Pvt Ltd – Superconducting quantum computing
Dimira Technologies Pvt Ltd – Cryogenic cables
Prenishq Pvt Ltd – Precision diode-laser systems
QuPrayog Pvt Ltd – Optical atomic clocks
Quanastra Pvt Ltd – Cryogenic systems and detectors
Pristine Diamonds Pvt Ltd – Diamond-based quantum materials
Quan2D Technologies Pvt Ltd – Photon detection technologies
With these efforts, India is positioning itself as a serious contender in global quantum technologies.
