– By Brijesh Kumar Awasthi
India is emerging as one of the leading countries in the development of quantum technologies. The country has announced National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023 with a funding of INR 6003.65 crore for a period of 2023-24 to 2030-31 . NQM aims to seed, nurture and scale up the scientific and industrial quantum tech research & development in the country. It also aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for the development of quantum capabilities.
The Indian start-up ecosystem is also abuzz with quantum tech developments. Quantum technology start-ups are developing quantum capabilities such as quantum software, hardware, quantum computing algorithms, and applications. Here is a list of five Indian start-ups that are developing quantum capabilities.
1. QpiAI Tech: It is a Bengaluru-based company. QpiAI is a subsidiary of Qpi Technology.. The company is building a platform to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum applications in a variety of industries including healthcare, material science, and finance among many others.
2. Quantica Computacao: It is a Chennai-based start-up in India. They are working to develop a state-of-the-art quantum virtual simulator to compile and run various quantum-capable software tools. They are also working on the development of client-specific Quantum Computing algorithms and creating proof of concept quantum-specific AI ML solutions.
3. Taqbit Labs: Taqbit Labs is a Bengaluru-based start-up, which is developing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solutions. It also provides plug-and-play quantum systems to their potential clients. They offer end-to-end quantum hardware QKD solutions. Taqbit Labs aims to provide quantum technology-backed solutions for resilience against quantum-enabled cyber threats.
4. BosonQ Psi: This is a Kolkata-based startup. They are developing a quantum-powered engineering simulation software and have named it BQPhy. This quantum-powered simulation software aims to help engineers in simulating complex designs for their engineering solutions.
5. Silicofeller: It is a Delhi-based quantum technologies start-up. This start-up was founded in 2020 by a team of experts in quantum technologies. They are working on developing quantum computing hardware, software, and consulting services.
Here are just a few examples of Indian start-ups at the forefront of quantum technology. In addition to the ones mentioned, notable start-ups in this field also include QNu Labs and Qkrishi, to name just a couple among the many others making significant strides in this domain. The Indian quantum technology ecosystem is thriving, and it is poised to play a vital role in the advancement of this novel technology on the global stage.
In addition to the start-ups listed above, giant IT companies of India such as Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Wipro are also investing in quantum technologies, making there mark in quantum software, cloud, and application development. These companies are also working with Start-ups to develop quantum hardware capabilities.
References:
https://dst.gov.in/cabinet-approves-national-quantum-mission-scale-scientific-industrial-rd-quantum-technologies