NITI Aayog & IBM Unveil Roadmap to Make India a Top‑3 Quantum Economy by 2047

The world is entering a new technological era — one where quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing may redefine industries, security, and innovation globally. India — with its large talent pool, growing tech sector, and rising ambitions — does not intend to be left behind. Recognising the stakes, NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub, in collaboration with IBM, has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap that seeks to make India one of the top three quantum economies in the world by 2047.

What the Roadmap Aims to Do

The newly launched roadmap sets forth bold but clear goals,

• Build indigenous quantum hardware and software capabilities rather than remain dependent on imports.
• Foster the emergence of globally competitive quantum companies and startups — at least ten such firms are expected to flourish under this plan.
• Enable India to capture a sizable share of the global quantum software and services market.
• Apply quantum technologies across critical sectors such as defence, energy, healthcare, logistics, finance, thereby boosting national security, efficiency, and innovation.
• Leverage the existing National Quantum Mission (NQM) as the backbone — combining government funding, research, private‑sector innovation and policy support to build a full quantum‑ready ecosystem.

Background: India’s Quantum Push and NQM

India’s quantum aspirations are not new. In April 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM), with a sanctioned budget of ₹6,003.65 crore (2023–24 to 2030–31). The aim: to catalyze research and industrial development in quantum computing, communication, sensing, materials, and devices.

Under this mission, the government plans to set up thematic research hubs (T‑Hubs) and funding for start‑ups, encourage academic–industry collaboration, and develop infrastructure for quantum technologies. The NITI roadmap builds on this foundation — aiming not just for research, but large‑scale commercialization and global competitiveness.

Key Components of the Roadmap

The roadmap identifies several actionable pathways and focus areas necessary to achieve the 2047 vision.

1. R&D and Infrastructure Build‑Up: Expand and deepen research in quantum hardware (qubit systems, processors), quantum communication (secure networks, quantum key distribution), quantum sensing & metrology, and quantum materials & devices.

2. Talent, Skills and Start‑ups: Encourage the growth of quantum‑focused start‑ups, promote skill development at universities and research institutions, and build a strong talent pipeline. This helps ensure that the human resource for quantum research and industry remains robust.

3. Sectoral Application & Adoption: Quantum technologies will be deployed across critical sectors — from defence and cybersecurity to healthcare (like drug discovery, diagnostics), energy systems, logistics optimisation, financial services, and material science — turning quantum research into real‑world impact.

4. Public–Private Collaboration: The roadmap emphasizes partnership among policymakers, academia, industry, investors, and state governments to build a “collective ownership” model for quantum economy growth.

5. Ecosystem & Regulatory Support: Establishing standards, governance, and regulatory frameworks for quantum technologies; ensuring secure quantum‑safe cryptography; providing incentives for private investments; and enabling smooth commercialisation of quantum products and services.

Significance: What This Could Mean for India

If implemented successfully, this roadmap could transform India’s technological and economic landscape in several ways,

• Global leadership in quantum technologies: Becoming a top‑3 quantum economy would position India alongside nations currently leading in quantum research and deployment.
• Boost to innovation and high‑tech industry: From quantum software firms to hardware manufacturers and services, there would likely be a surge in high‑value tech startups and jobs.
• Strategic & security advantages: Quantum security and quantum communication systems can strengthen India’s cyber‑security and defence readiness.
• Advancement in critical sectors: Quantum‑enabled improvements in healthcare, energy, logistics, materials — potentially leading to breakthroughs in diagnostics, resource management, and more efficient infrastructure.

Economic growth & competitiveness: By entering global quantum markets early, India could attract investments, become an export hub for quantum services, and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Key Takeaways

• The roadmap aims to make India a top‑3 quantum economy by 2047 via quantum computing, communication, sensing, materials and services.
• It builds on the existing National Quantum Mission (NQM), which was approved in April 2023 with a ₹6,003.65 crore budget for 2023–24 to 2030–31.
• Core components: domestic quantum hardware & software development, start‑ups, skill building, sectoral deployment (defence, healthcare, energy, logistics, finance), public‑private‑academic collaboration.