DoT to establish quantum certification lab; set standards for quantum computing: Secy

The Department of Telecom is working to establish a quantum certification lab and set standards for quantum computing, a senior official said on Thursday. While speaking at the Second International Quantum Communication Conclave, Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal said that a lot of work is happening in C-DoT on quantum communications, and India has to be cautious in developing the technology with like-minded parties.
"We are working with TEC to create standards (for quantum computing). We are also working on setting up a quantum certification lab," Mittal said.

He said that the certification lab will test and verify the solutions that claim to be based on quantum technology.

"There are countries who have massive resources at hand but do not necessarily believe in democratic values as India. We need to find the right partners and work with them," Mittal said.

The Cabinet approved the National Quantum Computing Mission on April 19, 2023, with an outlay of Rs 6,003.65 crore for 8 years.

Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood said the government is trying to create four groups to work on the development of quantum computers, where each group will work on specific areas like communications and security. Groups will be a consortium of industry, academic institutions, and startups, among others.

"The goal is that we have to focus on very fundamental research and development. This field has yet to have more breakthroughs but also to see that it translates into a product at the end of the day," Sood said.

He said software players need to be encouraged to develop quantum computing as a service soon.

"Quantum computing has been discussed at various bilateral and multilateral collaborations. In the iCET with the US government, this is one of the important areas. In the QUAD it is an important area," Sood noted.

He said that all the bilateral and multilateral collaboration should help in the access of advanced fabrication facilities, test beds etc, which are under negotiation.