Boost to Quantum Tech: Proposals Invited for Breakthroughs in Algorithms.
India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) has announced a fresh call for proposals on Quantum Algorithms, marking another big step toward positioning the country at the forefront of quantum computers, research, and innovation.
The Mission, implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and approved by the Union Cabinet, is designed to seed, nurture, and adopt cutting-edge R&D that will build a vibrant quantum ecosystem in India. It not only aims to strengthen scientific capabilities but also to encourage entrepreneurship and startups, translating breakthrough ideas into practical applications, jobs, and industries of the future.
As part of the Mission, DST has set up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) across premier institutes, each dedicated to a crucial area of research:
- Quantum Computing at IISc Bengaluru
- Quantum Communication at IIT Madras in association with C-DoT, New Delhi
- Quantum Sensing & Metrology at IIT Bombay
- Quantum Materials & Devices at IIT Delhi
Together, the T-Hubs comprise 14 technical groups and 17 project teams, involving 152 researchers from 43 institutions across India. These hubs are not only driving technology development but also focusing on human resource development, entrepreneurship, startup ecosystem growth, and international collaboration.
To accelerate capacity building, the Mission is targeting students, undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and skilled as well as semi-skilled manpower. A major step in this direction was the launch of an Undergraduate Minor Course in Quantum Technologies in collaboration with AICTE in December 2024, which has already been adopted by a growing number of institutions.
In line with this, the NQM has also invited proposals for the establishment of Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories in Quantum Technologies under the four T-Hubs. A fresh call has been issued with updated formats, replacing the earlier call. Applicants who had applied previously are required to resubmit under the new guidelines.
Meanwhile, the new call for Quantum Algorithm Proposals invites academic institutions and R&D laboratories to submit consortium-based innovative projects. Each proposal is expected to deliver specific outcomes in one of the following priority areas:
- Quantum Transpilers, Simulators, and Performance Tools
- Quantum Information and Complexity Theory
- Quantum Optimization Algorithms
- AI/ML Integration with Quantum Technologies
- Quantum Simulations
- Hybrid Quantum–High Performance Computing (HPC) Systems
By combining world-class research, entrepreneurial energy, and international partnerships, the National Quantum Mission is building the foundation for India’s quantum leap into the future of computing and innovation.
