The twentieth century witnessed the understanding of atomic scale phenomena based on the formulation of quantum physics. That led to the first quantum revolution involving semiconductors, superconductors and lasers, paving the way to the present-day electronic gadgets. Towards the end of the twentieth century, the ability to control and manipulate quantum degrees of freedom started the second quantum revolution. It harnesses quantum properties such as superposition, entanglement, squeezing and tunnelling of quantum states to develop novel quantum devices for high-precision measurements, secure communications, efficient computing, and other futuristic technologies. The building blocks of these devices are fundamental physical objects such as spins, atoms and photons.
The ongoing attempts worldwide focused on the construction of customized quantum systems and materials, are directed towards bringing transformative advances in science, economy and society. They envisage orders of magnitude enhancement in the precision of sensors and metrological instruments, strategies for secure communications that would herald the arrival of a quantum internet, quantum computers that can tackle computationally hard problems, and disruptive advances in imaging and energy manipulation techniques.
The Government of India has recognised the immense potential of quantum technologies and has announced the “National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA)” in 2020. The mission aims to lay a solid foundation in the field of quantum technologies by supporting fundamental and translational research, leading to the invention of new products and services, as well as the creation of a skilled human resource. While NM-QTA desires to catapult India to the midst of the second quantum revolution, limitations in the existing expertise and facilities available in India pose significant constraints on its advancement.
The Indian Institute of Science aspires to deploy a dedicated effort to address these challenges, by establishing a framework to promote collaborations between physicists, material scientists, computer scientists and engineers. IISc, being the key institute instrumental in helping India develop past strategic missions (Indian nuclear technology and space technology programs were conceived and nurtured at IISc), has a multi-disciplinary research faculty with an interest in quantum science and technologies. Prior to the present interest in quantum technologies, IISc has been playing a pioneering role in the country, for efforts to become self-reliant in the areas of Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoelectronics and Nanoscience.
IISc launched its quantum technologies initiative (IQTI) (https://iqti.iisc.ac.in/), to participate in and contribute to the national initiative and strategic demands, and to achieve technology readiness at par with international efforts. It will leverage the Institute’s research expertise in the area of quantum technologies, and at the same time form a visionary research and development platform through national and international collaborations. This initiative is envisaged not to be just academic science; it would actively engage with industry and strategic partners to create technology with economic benefits and social impact. IQTI would use the well-established academia-industry interface of IISc to establish a vibrant start-up culture and ecosystem, in order to convert the promises of fundamental research into entrepreneurial activities for product development. As an important step in this direction, IISc started the M. Tech. program in Quantum Technology from August 2021, the first of its kind in the country.
Proposed Activities under IQTI
Visiting positions: Funds donated towards these will be utilized to facilitate IQTI collaborations with various international universities.
Fellowships/Internships/Chair professorships: Fellowships will be awarded to meritorious MTech. and research students in the field of Quantum Technology
Directed research projects: Research projects in QT of mutual interest to industry and IISc faculty members can be supported in collaborative or consultation mode.
Schools/Workshops/Outreach activities: These are intended for both UG and PG/PhD level students in the country.
Enrichment of the MTech. QT Lab: Funds donated towards these will be utilized to develop:
- Basic Quantum Technology Lab
- Advanced Programming Lab
- Advanced Optics Lab
- Advanced Materials Synthesis and Characterisation Lab
- Advanced Electronics Lab
We invite alumni and well-wishers to contribute generously to the IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI).
Ways to Give
You can donate directly by clicking the contribute button below. For international payments, the users will be charged 3% of the transaction amount as convenience charges.
If you wish to support this project through bank transfer or other means, please contact: development.odaa@iisc.ac.in
US-based donors can contribute through the IISc Foundation. Contributions made to the Foundation will enjoy tax benefits as allowed by the IRS under Section 501 (c3).