Quantum Computing in India: Bold Leap or Just Buzz?

Quantum computing is one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, with the power to revolutionize sectors like cryptography, drug discovery, climate modeling, and artificial intelligence. While countries like the US, China, and Germany are pouring billions into quantum research, India has also joined the race with ambitious goals, government-backed missions, and a growing ecosystem of startups and researchers.

But the question remains—is quantum computing in India genuinely gaining ground, or is it just hype dressed as hope? Let’s explore the key initiatives, achievements, challenges, and the road ahead to find out.

India’s Quantum Ambitions: The Policy Push

India's quantum journey took a formal turn with the announcement of the National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NMQTA) in the Union Budget 2020, with an outlay of ₹8,000 crore (~$1 billion) over five years. The mission, under the Ministry of Science & Technology, aims to develop:

• Quantum computers with 50–100 qubits

• Secure quantum communication networks

• Quantum encryption technologies

• Quantum sensing and metrology systems

According to the Department of Science & Technology (DST), this mission focuses on both theoretical research and applied quantum engineering, establishing India’s groundwork in this global race.

Key Players and Projects in India’s Quantum Landscape

1. C-DAC Pune: Indigenous Quantum Processor Development

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is at the forefront of quantum hardware development in India. In 2025, C-DAC unveiled its first prototype quantum processor called ShunyaQ, a superconducting qubit-based system developed under the NMQTA.

ShunyaQ can perform certain mathematical operations significantly faster than classical systems and serves as a proof-of-concept for homegrown quantum hardware. The project has already opened up new research collaborations across academia and industry.

High-Quality Source:
Read more about C-DAC’s quantum computing projects

2. IISc Bengaluru: Pioneering Quantum Algorithms and Quantum Internet

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is leading cutting-edge research in quantum algorithms, quantum entanglement, and quantum key distribution (QKD). A recent breakthrough in 2025 involved developing noise-resistant quantum communication protocols for practical quantum internet deployment.

IISc is also part of the Quantum Enabled Science & Technology (QuEST) program, which is enabling early-stage quantum experimentation in universities.

High-Quality Source:
Explore IISc’s Centre for Quantum Information and Computing

3. IIT Madras: Building the Quantum Workforce

Recognizing the lack of quantum talent, IIT Madras launched India's first M.Tech. program in Quantum Science and Technologies. It also operates Quanta Lab, which focuses on quantum simulation and machine learning at quantum scale. The institute is collaborating with IBM’s Quantum Lab to offer real-world quantum programming exposure using IBM Qiskit.

High-Quality Source:
Learn about IIT Madras’s quantum programs

4. QNu Labs: India’s First Quantum-Security Startup

Bengaluru-based QNu Labs is India's only startup offering quantum-secure communication solutions. It has already deployed its Tropos Quantum Key Distribution system in defense-grade pilot projects and banks. The startup is backed by DRDO and has active engagements with national security agencies.

This commercial application proves that quantum is no longer just theoretical in India—it’s entering markets.

High-Quality Source:
Visit QNu Labs’ official site

Opportunities and Use Cases for India

Quantum computing in India is set to address some uniquely Indian problems:

• Secure Communications: With growing cybersecurity threats, quantum encryption could protect sensitive government and defense data.

• Drug Discovery & Genomics: Quantum simulations could accelerate pharmaceutical research for diseases prevalent in India, such as TB and dengue.

• Financial Modeling: Indian banks could use quantum computing for risk analysis and fraud detection at massive scales.

• Logistics & Traffic Optimization: Quantum algorithms may help optimize the highly complex and congested logistics and traffic networks in Indian cities.

The Challenges: Why the Hype Exists

Despite all the progress, India’s quantum ambitions face significant hurdles:

• Talent Shortage: Quantum physics, software engineering, and cryogenics experts are scarce. Most universities still lack comprehensive quantum curricula.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Building and maintaining quantum labs with cryogenic environments and quantum-safe testing chambers is capital-intensive.

• Limited Commercialization: Most of India’s projects remain academic or government-funded, with limited private sector scale-up.

Until these challenges are addressed, critics argue that the “quantum hype” may be getting ahead of real, deployable outcomes.

Is It Hype or Hope? The Balanced Verdict

While India’s quantum computing journey is still in the early stages, the developments so far show serious intent, backed by structured policy, growing expertise, and promising prototypes. It’s neither just hype nor blind hope—it’s a work in progress grounded in vision and increasingly backed by capability.

India’s real test will come in the next 3–5 years as hardware scalability, commercial applications, and international collaboration decide whether quantum becomes India’s next tech revolution.