The Modi government is enabling industry and private sector participation in frontier technologies, particularly in the field of quantum technology. The National Quantum Mission represents a collaborative approach involving the government, academic institutions, startups, and investors.
On 30 SEP 2026, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen India's emerging quantum ecosystem. According to the Press Information Bureau, the policy change is providing a conducive environment for stakeholders, who possess the scientific talent, technological capability, and industry readiness, to build and scale in quantum technologies.
In his address at PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY 2026 – NQM Co-development and Venture Partnership Meet held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India would not be a consumer of quantum technologies developed elsewhere but aims to develop these technologies domestically and take them to the world.
The Minister pointed out the rapid progress under the National Quantum Mission, with the mission's eight-year plan achieving 1,000-km quantum secure communication in about three years, against the 2,000-km target envisaged for the entire period. He attributed this success to the capability built within the quantum ecosystem and expressed confidence in moving ahead with greater speed and resolve.
The National Quantum Mission is structured as a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation effort, with four thematic hubs at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi, bringing together 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 States and two Union Territories. These hubs are working on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed optimism that India now has an opportunity to become globally competitive in quantum communication and quantum sensing and self-reliant in quantum computing. He acknowledged the technologies emerging from the hubs, academic institutions, and startups as providing a strong foundation for this ambition.
The Minister further stated that the government's support to startups extends beyond funding, encompassing infrastructure, mentorship, technology validation, industry partnerships, and pathways to customers. He emphasized the need for sustained engagement from industry and investors, including capital, technical validation, co-development, procurement, and market access, particularly for quantum startups that require substantial capital and long-term commitment.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
