India is making remarkable strides in quantum technology. More than forty startups in the field have emerged in past two years. It is a rapid growth and highlights burgeoning potential of India in the global tech landscape. The confident statement came from Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology.
A meeting was held lately to discuss the 100-day action plan for the Department of Science & Technology. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of the National Quantum Mission. He said that the country is now on par with some of the leading nations in quantum technology. The mission aims to establish India as a global leader and also to foster significant advancements in quantum communication.
One of the notable one is Bangalore-based startup QuNu Labs. It was incubated by IIT Madras. It lately signed a memorandum of understanding with the Technology Development Board to develop security products using quantum technologies.
Dr. Singh noted doubling of women’s participation in extramural research and development in recent years. It was the result of initiatives by government to promote women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). About 300 women scientists is learned to be receiving research grants under the ASPIRE scheme.
Meanwhile, the growth of startup ecosystem in the country is also a point of pride. There were just a few hundred startups in 2014. Today, the number has is more than 1.25 lakh and over 110 of it are unicorns. The expansion is impressive. India’s position has jumped in the Global Innovation Index. It was at the 81st place in 2015. In 2023, the position was improved to 40th position.
