Quantum Computing & Quantum Technologies

Quantum computing leverages quantum mechanical principles—specifically superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling—to process information exponentially faster than classical binary computers for specific algorithmic tasks. While classical computers rely on binary bits (0 or 1), quantum processors utilize quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in linear combinations of states ($|0\rangle$ and $|1\rangle$). Major physical implementations include superconducting transmon qubits, trapped-ion systems, and photonic circuits. In April 2023, India's Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budgetary outlay of over ₹6,000 crore, aimed at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 physical qubits, secure quantum key distribution (QKD), and quantum sensors.