NEW DELHI: With the launch of the National Mission for Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA), India formally entered the race for quantum computing five years ago but the public investment in this new technology frontier remains much below the investments made by other countries like China, Germany, the UK, the USA, South Korea, and France.
The first edition of the International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum (ITES-Q), released by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the govt on the occasion of World Quantum Day 2025 on Monday, shows that India, with a public investment of $735 million (over Rs 6,003 crore), ranks 12th globally. In contrast, China leads with investments of $15.3 billion so far.
In terms of quantum science and technology (QST) startups globally, India is, however, at the 6th position with 53 startups. The US leads with 309 startups, followed by Germany (110), the UK (92), China (63), and Canada (56).
An analysis of country-wise investment distribution suggests the US received the highest amount of private investments, which can be attributed to the large number of startups in the country. The strategy report, unveiled by PSA Ajay Kumar Sood, shows the US has received approximately $6.9 billion in quantum funding. This represents more than 4.5 times the investment of the next biggest investment destination, the UK, which received $1.44 billion. In contrast, India received only $30 million of private investment.
The strategy report marks a significant step toward articulating India’s outward-facing strategy in Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation (QSTI). The idea is to invest more in quantum hardware and reduce India’s dependencies on imports.
During a podcast on the occasion, Sood, while speaking about gaps and potential in the sector for India, admitted that the country needs to bring much more funds for startups and de-risk the investment, which means there is a need to create markets for the products. "And this is where all the players, be it govt, private sectors, academia, or startups, play a role to create this ecosystem," he said.
"We need to be an active player in defining the global standards for Quantum Tech. This is a gap we need to fill. Because once we have that, we will also play a role in standardisation efforts, and that is what leads to strategic autonomy. We have to do that very proactively and ensure that we have these global standards because our market is not only the Indian market but global," said Sood.
The inaugural edition of ITES-Q provides a comprehensive overview of both global and national quantum ecosystems, covering analysis of investments, talent development, institutional strengths, research publications, intellectual property, startups, supply chains, and industrial activity.
"The ITES-Q is thought out to facilitate impactful partnerships and particularly add value to the efforts of Indian missions abroad in strengthening bilateral and multilateral engagements for QSTI," said a statement from the Office of the PSA.
The first edition of the International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum (ITES-Q), released by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the govt on the occasion of World Quantum Day 2025 on Monday, shows that India, with a public investment of $735 million (over Rs 6,003 crore), ranks 12th globally. In contrast, China leads with investments of $15.3 billion so far.
In terms of quantum science and technology (QST) startups globally, India is, however, at the 6th position with 53 startups. The US leads with 309 startups, followed by Germany (110), the UK (92), China (63), and Canada (56).
An analysis of country-wise investment distribution suggests the US received the highest amount of private investments, which can be attributed to the large number of startups in the country. The strategy report, unveiled by PSA Ajay Kumar Sood, shows the US has received approximately $6.9 billion in quantum funding. This represents more than 4.5 times the investment of the next biggest investment destination, the UK, which received $1.44 billion. In contrast, India received only $30 million of private investment.
The strategy report marks a significant step toward articulating India’s outward-facing strategy in Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation (QSTI). The idea is to invest more in quantum hardware and reduce India’s dependencies on imports.
During a podcast on the occasion, Sood, while speaking about gaps and potential in the sector for India, admitted that the country needs to bring much more funds for startups and de-risk the investment, which means there is a need to create markets for the products. "And this is where all the players, be it govt, private sectors, academia, or startups, play a role to create this ecosystem," he said.
"We need to be an active player in defining the global standards for Quantum Tech. This is a gap we need to fill. Because once we have that, we will also play a role in standardisation efforts, and that is what leads to strategic autonomy. We have to do that very proactively and ensure that we have these global standards because our market is not only the Indian market but global," said Sood.
The inaugural edition of ITES-Q provides a comprehensive overview of both global and national quantum ecosystems, covering analysis of investments, talent development, institutional strengths, research publications, intellectual property, startups, supply chains, and industrial activity.
"The ITES-Q is thought out to facilitate impactful partnerships and particularly add value to the efforts of Indian missions abroad in strengthening bilateral and multilateral engagements for QSTI," said a statement from the Office of the PSA.
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