The office of the principal scientific adviser (PSA) to the Indian government released the first edition of the International Technology Engagement Strategy - Quantum (ITES-Q) on Monday.
The strategy, unveiled by PSA Ajay Kumar Sood during a podcast on World Quantum Day, aims to accelerate discovery, foster innovation, and catalyse adoption in quantum science, technology, and innovation (QSTI).
The release coincides with the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The ITES-Q provides a foundational landscape analysis to guide domestic and international stakeholders in government, academia, and industry.
It aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) and seeks to strengthen bilateral and multilateral engagements globally. Sood emphasised that “strategic autonomy cannot exist without being quantum safe” and highlighted the need for investments in quantum hardware, reduced import dependencies, and active participation in global standardisation efforts.
The strategy outlines India’s vision for technology diplomacy in quantum science. It addresses key areas such as investments, talent development, intellectual property, startups, and industrial activity. Sood also discussed the NQM’s hub-and-spoke model, which involves 152 researchers across 43 institutions in 17 states and two union territories.
Delving deeper into the gaps and potential in India’s quantum ecosystem, he stated, “India has to invest in quantum hardware, we have to reduce our dependencies on imports, and advancements in all areas of quantum computing can help with that.”
He stressed the need to raise more funds for startups and mitigate investment risks, and urged the government, the private sector, academia, and startups to contribute to creating this ecosystem.
“We have to do that very proactively and ensure that we have these global standards because our market is not only the Indian market but global.”
India’s National Quantum Mission focuses on advancing quantum computing, securing quantum communication, sensing technologies, and creating a robust ecosystem for innovation. The ITES-Q will facilitate impactful partnerships and bolster India’s global presence in emerging technologies.
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