Gandhinagar: Gujarat govt has decided to establish a Quantum Mission to promote quantum technology, seen as the next frontier in computing, communication and security. Department of Science and Technology (DST) will help set up the mission to fast-track projects in the sector, including those allotted to Gujarat under the National Quantum Mission.“Gujarat will form the mission on the lines of the national initiative. This mission will work dedicatedly for the development of quantum technologies in the state,” said science and technology minister Arjun Modhwadia.An official said the mission’s primary scope will be to promote the use of quantum technologies across various fields and sectors including healthcare and education.Quantum technology is an emerging field that uses the unusual behaviour of very tiny atomic and sub-atomic particles. These particles can do things that everyday objects cannot, such as being in more than one state at the same time or staying linked over long distances. Regular computers store information as bits, which are either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0, 1, or both at once. Scientists say this could help quantum computers solve some complex problems much faster than today’s computers. It could help discover new medicines, strengthen cybersecurity, improve navigation and sensing, optimise financial and industrial processes and aid space exploration.National Quantum Mission, approved in 2023 with an outlay of Rs 6,003.6 crore for 2023-24 to 2030-31, seeks to build a domestic quantum ecosystem covering research, technology development, skills, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. Four thematic hubs have been set up at IISc Bengaluru and IIT Madras, IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi, focusing on computing, communication, sensing and quantum materials.Govt sources said that some states have launched their own quantum missions, making budgetary and infrastructure provisions for growth of the sector. “Govt will make an allocation for the quantum mission when it is announced,” a source said.
