Gujarat is preparing to take a major step into the emerging world of quantum technology with plans to establish a dedicated Quantum Mission in the state. The initiative is aimed at promoting the development and use of quantum technologies in areas such as computing, communication and cybersecurity.
The state government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) will help establish the mission and fast-track quantum technology projects, including projects allocated to Gujarat under the National Quantum Mission.
The move is expected to create a stronger ecosystem for quantum research, technology development, skills, entrepreneurship and collaboration with industries in Gujarat.
A state-level mission for quantum technology
Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia said Gujarat’s mission will be developed along the lines of the national initiative and will work specifically towards the growth of quantum technologies in the state.
The main focus will be to encourage the use of quantum technology across different sectors. According to officials, healthcare and education will be among the areas where the technology could be promoted.
The government is also expected to make a budgetary allocation for the mission once it is formally announced.
What is quantum technology?
Quantum technology is a new field based on the unusual behaviour of extremely small particles, including atoms and sub-atomic particles.
These particles can behave in ways that are very different from everyday objects. For example, they can exist in more than one state at the same time and can remain connected over long distances.
This unusual behaviour could allow scientists and engineers to develop technologies that are significantly different from today’s conventional systems. One of the most talked-about applications is quantum computing.
How quantum computers are different
Today’s regular computers store information using bits, which represent either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits. A qubit can represent 0, 1 or a combination of both at the same time.
This could allow quantum computers to handle certain highly complex problems much faster than conventional computers.
While the technology is still developing, scientists believe quantum computing could have applications in several important areas. These include:
Medicine: Helping researchers in the discovery and development of new medicines.
Cybersecurity: Strengthening systems used to protect digital information.
Navigation and sensing: Improving technologies that depend on highly accurate measurements.
Finance: Helping optimise complex financial processes.
Industry: Supporting advanced industrial processes and optimisation.
Space exploration: Providing new tools and capabilities for space-related research.
Gujarat to fast-track projects
The proposed Gujarat Quantum Mission will not work in isolation. The state’s Department of Science and Technology will help speed up projects related to quantum technology.
This will include projects that have been allotted to Gujarat as part of the National Quantum Mission.
The objective is to create a dedicated structure through which research, development and practical applications of quantum technology can be encouraged within the state.
Officials said the mission will focus on promoting quantum technologies across different fields rather than limiting the work to computing alone.
What is the National Quantum Mission?
The National Quantum Mission, approved in 2023, has an outlay of Rs 6,003.6 crore for the period from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
The national programme aims to build a domestic quantum ecosystem covering several areas, including research, technology development, skill development, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. As part of the national effort, four thematic hubs have been established at:
IISc Bengaluru
IIT Madras
IIT Bombay
IIT Delhi
These hubs focus on four major areas of quantum technology: computing, communication, sensing and quantum materials.
States are beginning to create their own quantum missions
Gujarat’s decision comes as some other states have also started launching their own quantum missions.
These state-level initiatives are intended to provide the infrastructure and financial support needed for the sector to grow locally.
Government sources said Gujarat will also make an allocation for its Quantum Mission when the initiative is formally announced.
The proposed mission could therefore provide a dedicated framework for supporting quantum-related research and projects within the state.
Building skills and industry participation
Quantum technology requires specialised knowledge and skilled professionals. The national mission’s focus on skills and entrepreneurship reflects the need to develop people who can work in this emerging field.
For Gujarat, a state-level mission could help bring together researchers, educational institutions, technology developers, entrepreneurs and industries working on quantum-related applications.
The larger goal would be to move beyond research and encourage the development and use of quantum technologies in real-world sectors.
A new technology frontier for Gujarat
Quantum technology is still an emerging field, but its potential applications cover some of the most important areas of modern life—from healthcare and cybersecurity to finance, industry, navigation and space exploration.
With its proposed Quantum Mission, Gujarat is seeking to build a dedicated ecosystem around this technology and take advantage of opportunities emerging from the National Quantum Mission.
The state’s next step will be to formally establish the mission and determine its funding and implementation framework.
If successfully developed, the initiative could give Gujarat a stronger role in India’s growing quantum technology landscape while creating new opportunities in research, skills, entrepreneurship, industry and advanced technology development.
Also Read: Gujarat’s Space Push: 5 Firms Get State Aid As New Space Hub Takes Shape https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-space-tech-policy-five-companies-government-support/
