National Quantum Mission (NQM): IIT Bombay Facilities Inaugurated — India's ₹6,003 Crore Quantum Leap
Fabrication and central research facilities under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) were inaugurated at IIT Bombay in September 2026, marking a key milestone in India's ₹6,003.65 crore quantum technology programme (2023–2031). NQM aims to develop quantum computers with 50–1,000 physical qubits by 2031, making India one of only six countries with a dedicated national quantum mission.
At a glance
NQM fabrication and research facilities inaugurated at IIT Bombay (Quantum Computing T-Hub) in Sept 2026 — a key milestone in India’s ₹6,003.65 crore, 8-year quantum programme.
Approved: April 2023 · Outlay: ₹6,003.65 crore (2023–2031) · Nodal: DST · Target: 50–1,000 physical qubits by 2031 · 4 Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs).
Quantum Computing: IIT Bombay · Quantum Communication: IISc Bangalore · Quantum Sensing: IIT Madras/NPL · Quantum Materials: IIT Delhi/TIFR.
One of only 6 countries with a national quantum mission. Addresses harvest-now-decrypt-later cybersecurity threat; iCET framework enables US tech access; Quad quantum cooperation.
Timeline
Why in News
Fabrication and central research facilities under India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) were inaugurated at IIT Bombay in September 2026. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in India's ambitious quantum technology programme — a ₹6,003.65 crore mission approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 to be implemented over 2023–2031. The IIT Bombay hub is one of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) designated under NQM for quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. India is now one of only six countries in the world with a dedicated national quantum mission.
Constitutional provisions
Every citizen has a duty to develop scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry — public mandate for science investment like NQM.
Institutions of national importance declared by Parliament — IITs are such institutions under the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961; their NQM T-Hubs are constitutionally anchored.