Lok Sabha Question No. 4204 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-13
Subject: Quantum Technology and Supercomputers
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Santokh Singh Chaudhary, K. Muraleedharan

- (a) Yes, Sir.
- (b) Department  of  Science  and  Technology  (DST)  is  in  the  process  of  developing  Detailed Project  Report  (DPR)  on  National  Mission  on  Quantum  Technologies  &  Applications  (NMQTA).  National Consultative Meetings are being carried out to capture aspirations of stakeholders  into  the  DPR.  Broad  objectives  of  NM-QTA  are  to  promote  R&D,  Develop  and demonstrate  Quantum  Computers,  Quantum  Communication,  Quantum  Key  Distribution, Quantum  Devices,  Human  Research  Development,  strengthening  international  collaborative research,  nurture  innovation  and  startups.  No  investments  made  on  NM-QTA  as  of  now. Estimated cost of NM-QTA will be known only after finalization of DPR.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4204 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13/12/2019

## QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY AND SUPERCOMPUTERS

4204.  SHRI SANTOKH SINGH CHAUDHARY: SHRI K. MURALEEDHARAN:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY वान और ौयोगक मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is going to launch a mission in the field of quantum technology;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  amount  of  monetary  investment  made  in  this regard;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  taken  steps  to  groom  young  researchers  in  quantum research, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) the steps taken to make India an exporter of quantum technology;
- (e) whether the Government is considering to indigenously develop 60 supercomputers over the next three years, if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether these systems would be implemented by the centre for development of advanced computing and six machines likely to be installed by the year end and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE; MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

वाय और परवार कयाण मंी ; वान और ौयोगक मंी ; और पृ वी वान मंी

डॉ. हष वधन

(c) Yes,  Sir,  Department  of  Science  &  Technology  has  initiated  a  research  programme, Quantum Enabled Science and Technology (QuEST) to groom young researchers in quantum research. A total of 51 young researchers have been selected under this programme for initiating both experimental and theoretical research in the field of quantum technology at a total cost of

Rs. 186 Crore for a period of 3 years. Rs. 10.80 Crore has already been released. (d) As of now, the Quantum technologies are at the development stage and yet to mature to the level of products. For exporting Quantum Technologies, the mission NM-QTA is developing strategies to create a platform in the form of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). (e) Yes Sir. However, the number of supercomputers would depend on the capacity of each because of rapidly changing technologies and speed which will have to be determined every year by an expert committee.

(f) 3 Supercomputers have already been installed and operationalized at Indian Institute of Technology  (IIT)  -  Varanasi,  IIT-Kharagpur  and  Indian  Institute  of  Science  Education  and Research (IISER) - Pune through Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Pune  and  3  more  machines  are  under  preparation  to  be  installed  at  IIT-Kanpur,  Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCAR)-Bangalore and IIT-Hyderabad. These should be ready for installation during the next financial year.

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