India stands at a pivotal moment in the global technology race. By acting swiftly to recognize the rapid shift towards quantum computing, the nation can unlock massive economic gains, leveraging its vast pool of technology professionals. This is the view of P Sai Shankar, technical manager for the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and director of QClairvoyance Quantum Labs.
From Army Signals to Quantum Frontiers: The Journey of a Mission Manager
Shankar's own path to the heart of India's quantum ambitions is unique. He completed his BTech from Vitam Engineering College in Parvathipuram, Andhra Pradesh, and was commissioned into the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army in June 2004. During his two-decade service, he also earned an MTech in Communication Engineering from IIT Delhi. After taking voluntary retirement, he brought his technical and strategic expertise to the National Quantum Mission as a technical manager.
Demystifying Quantum Computing and India's Strategic Position
In simple terms, Shankar explains that while today's technology is based on classical physics, quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems exponentially faster. "Imagine trying to open a lock without the combination," he says. "A classical computer tries one combination at a time. A quantum computer can evaluate all combinations at once." This capability, akin to tracking all possible states of a coin toss simultaneously, can revolutionize fields from drug discovery to complex simulations.
India formally entered the arena around 2017-18. The National Quantum Mission focuses on four critical verticals:
- Quantum computing applications
- Secure quantum communication
- Quantum sensing and metrology
- GPS-free navigation and development of quantum materials
Globally, the competition is intense. Countries like the US and China already possess three to four first-generation quantum computers each, with more advanced systems expected in the next decade. The financial scale is staggering, with a single quantum computer costing at least Rs 1,000 crore.
The Economic Potential and the Path Ahead for India
The opportunity is monumental. Quantum computing is projected to create a $2 trillion global economy by 2035. While India has committed around Rs 6,500 crore to its national mission and does not yet own a quantum computer, it aims to be a significant player in this future market. Currently, with some global processors boasting up to 1,000 qubits, Indian researchers and companies rely on cloud-based services from overseas providers, paying roughly $45 per minute for access—a scenario Shankar compares to the early cyber cafe days of the internet.
The private sector is beginning to stir. Approximately 12 companies, including Hyderabad-based QClairvoyance Quantum Labs, are active in the space. A key challenge is aligning the technology's long development horizon with investor expectations for quick returns. Collaborations are underway, notably with pharmaceutical companies to accelerate drug trials and implement quantum-level security using global algorithms. Demand for such services is strong in markets like the US and Australia, and India is working to close the gap.
The message is clear: India's vast technology workforce is its greatest asset in this quantum race. With strategic focus, sustained investment, and patience, the nation can transition from a user of costly overseas services to a creator and leader in the next paradigm of computing.
