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Ministry of Science & Technology | Department of Science & Technology (DST) | Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA)
India’s next-generation computing and security efforts have taken a major step forward with the launch of the “Amaravati Quantum Valley,” a specialised high-tech zone in Andhra Pradesh. Supported by a ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission (NQM), this project aims to make India one of the few nations capable of building computers that are exponentially faster than current supercomputers. The mission is a massive nationwide effort involving 43 institutions across 17 States, working together to ensure India leads in the “Quantum Age” rather than catching up.
Strategic Pillars of the National Quantum Mission The launch identifies several foundational goals for this new technology hub:
Building Unbreakable Communication: A primary goal is to create a 2,000 km secure communication network using quantum physics. This technology makes data virtually impossible to hack, providing a new level of protection for India’s national defense and banking systems.
Next-Generation Computing Power: India plans to build powerful quantum computers with 1,000 physical qubits within the next eight years. These machines can solve complex problems in minutes that would take current computers thousands of years to process.
Government-Industry Partnerships: The project breaks down traditional barriers by linking the government with tech giants like IBM and TCS. This includes the launch of Quantum Cloud Services and Innovation Centres to allow startups and researchers to access advanced technology without needing to own expensive hardware.
Developing Local Experts: To ensure the project succeeds long-term, India is training its youth through new B.Tech and M.Tech programmes in Quantum Technology. A dedicated “Quantum Talent Hub” will be created to turn students into the scientists and engineers needed for this new industry.
Revolutionary Healthcare and Sensing: Beyond computers, the hub will develop sensors for precision cancer treatments and advanced satellite communications. These sensors can target tumors with pinpoint accuracy, avoiding damage to healthy organs and speeding up patient recovery.
What is the “Amaravati Quantum Valley”? The Amaravati Quantum Valley is a newly established strategic technology cluster in Andhra Pradesh intended to serve as the launchpad for India’s National Quantum Mission. It is a physical and digital “innovation zone” where scientists, startups, and global tech companies collaborate to develop quantum computers, secure communication tools, and advanced materials. By centralizing these efforts, the government aims to create a “springboard” that propels India into the elite group of nations—including the US and China—that possess sovereign control over quantum technologies.
Policy Relevance
The creation of Amaravati Quantum Valley marks India’s move from being a global “IT service provider” to a global “Deep-Tech leader”. By dedicating ₹6,000 crore to this mission, the Ministry of Science & Technology is treating quantum technology as a national security requirement, ensuring India’s digital future is protected against advanced cyber threats.
Strategic Impact:
Economic Sovereignty: Developing these technologies locally ensures India is not dependent on foreign countries for the most advanced hardware of the future.
Advanced Healthcare Solutions: Precision quantum sensing will modernize medical diagnostics, making life-saving treatments more effective and accessible.
The “Double-Engine” Model: The partnership between the Central Government and the State of Andhra Pradesh serves as a model for Cooperative Federalism, showing how state resources can accelerate national scientific goals.
Startup Ecosystem Growth: Providing open access to quantum cloud services will lower the entry barrier for Indian startups, potentially creating a new $45 billion space and tech economy.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can the Department of Science & Technology and the State of Andhra Pradesh effectively utilize the ‘Amaravati Quantum Valley’ to incentivize the participation of 100+ deep-tech startups in the National Quantum Mission by 2030?
Follow the full news here: India’s Quantum Future Begins from Amaravati | PIB