India Unveils Roadmap to Become a Top-Three Quantum Economy by 2047

-Post by Aare Keerthi

India has launched an ambitious national roadmap aimed at transforming the country into one of the world’s top three quantum economies by 2047. The strategy focuses on building world-class capabilities in quantum computing, secure communications, and advanced sensing technologies, while creating a strong ecosystem of talent, startups, research institutions, and manufacturing hubs.

The roadmap sets out a long-term vision to move India from a technology consumer to a global creator and exporter of next-generation quantum solutions.

Vision to Make India a Global Quantum Leader by 2047

The plan aligns with India’s broader national goal of becoming a developed economy by the 100th year of its independence. It lays down clear milestones to gradually scale quantum research, infrastructure, and commercial applications, ensuring consistent progress over the next two decades.

The strategy focuses on making quantum technology a key pillar of national economic growth and security.

Building a Strong Foundation for Quantum Research

A major part of the roadmap is strengthening research and development across universities, national laboratories, and innovation centres. The focus is on creating shared national facilities for quantum experiments and improving access to high-performance tools.

This foundation is expected to speed up breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, hardware design, and real-world applications.

Massive Push for Talent and Skill Development

The roadmap places strong emphasis on building a skilled workforce. New academic programs in quantum science and engineering are planned, along with scholarships, fellowships, and industry-linked training.

By developing a steady pipeline of researchers, engineers, and technicians, India aims to become self-reliant in both innovation and operations in this critical technology field.

Accelerating Innovation Through Startups and Testbeds

To encourage innovation, the plan proposes the creation of start-up incubators, public–private research hubs, and testbeds where companies can test real-world quantum applications.

Special funding programs and challenge-based grants are expected to help deep-tech startups move from prototypes to commercial products faster.

Strengthening Domestic Quantum Manufacturing

Reducing dependence on imports is a key focus of the roadmap. It aims to build local manufacturing capabilities for quantum processors, sensors, control systems, and cryogenic infrastructure.

This approach is designed to boost high-tech manufacturing and create a resilient supply chain entirely within the country.

Securing India’s Digital Future with Quantum-Safe Networks

The roadmap highlights the importance of preparing India’s digital infrastructure for the post-quantum era. This includes the gradual development of secure quantum communication networks and transitioning towards quantum-resistant cryptography.

These steps are critical for protecting sensitive data and national security in the future.

Collaboration Between Government, Industry and Academia

Strong cooperation between policymakers, private companies, research institutes, and state governments is central to the plan. The roadmap envisions regional innovation clusters and global technology partnerships to accelerate learning, funding, and technology transfer.

Blended financing models combining public and private investment are also proposed to support long-term projects.

Long-Term Economic and Strategic Impact of Quantum Technologies

The roadmap predicts significant impact across sectors such as healthcare, finance, defence, climate science, and logistics. Quantum computing is expected to unlock new efficiency levels, faster problem-solving, and breakthroughs in materials and drug discovery.

These gains could position India as both a technology producer and exporter.

A Clear Roadmap for India’s Quantum Future

With time-bound targets, structured funding models, and coordinated national effort, India’s quantum roadmap represents a decisive step toward global leadership in advanced technologies. If executed effectively, it could redefine India’s role in the global technology landscape by 2047.