This quantum odyssey united luminaries, unveiled a pioneering Quantum Security Center, and signed key agreements to accelerate quantum technology’s research and adoption.
The Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India (QETCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITy), Government of India, successfully orchestrated the 1st National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium (NQSTS). This event was conceived with the primary objective of invigorating the quantum ecosystem in the nation and fostering collaboration to harness quantum technology’s potential in addressing real-world challenges.
The NQSTS, hailed as a quantum odyssey, brought together luminaries from government, policy-making circles, technical experts, and industry leaders, encompassing the entire quantum landscape in India. The symposium served as a platform for experts to share their insights and experiences regarding the practical applications of quantum technology and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
A standout moment during the two-day symposium was the unveiling of the Centre for Quantum Security and Forum, a collaborative initiative between QETCI and the CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics Statistics and Computer Science (CR Rao AIMSCS). This pioneering center will serve as a hub for stakeholders in the quantum security ecosystem, facilitating experimentation, proof of concepts, vendor-neutral reports, training, workshops, and more, all aimed at expediting quantum security advancements. To expedite research and adoption of quantum technology, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between QETCI and BeST Cluster, with a focus on bolstering the Bangalore Quantum Ecosystem. The MoU aims to support research commercialization, startups, and the creation of market opportunities in the quantum domain.
Additionally, a Quantum Security Centre was inaugurated, complete with its official logo. This facility will play a crucial role in fortifying quantum security measures and implementations. In a pivotal development, the Quantum Value Chain Report was unveiled during the symposium, in the presence of Dr. V K Saraswat, Chairman of QETCI, and Shri S Krishnan, the Secretary of MeITy. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of India’s quantum ecosystem, encompassing supply chains, allied value chains, and non-supply chain elements. It also assesses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the Indian quantum landscape, laying the foundation for data-driven policy recommendations to bolster the quantum supply chain in India.
Dr. V K Saraswat, Chairman of QETCI, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation, stating, “Today signifies a significant stride in our quantum journey. QETCI is dedicated to establishing a robust foundation in the Quantum Landscape by uniting the education ecosystem. Together, we can cultivate collaboration in shaping curricula, extending crucial support to MSMEs and Startups.” Shri Krishnan, Secretary of MeITy, underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among the government, industry, and academia to prepare the nation for global competitiveness, adding, “The report sets the groundwork for advancing quantum technologies within the country.” Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairperson of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), acknowledged the world’s anticipation of a quantum revolution and DRDO’s commitment to India’s ambitious National Quantum Mission (NQM). He affirmed, “The world is looking forward to a paradigm shift from classical to quantum, which holds promise in all aspects of technology.”
