DBT Bureau
Pune, 23 June 2024
India has produced more than 40 startups in the quantum technology space in two years, indicating the growth potential of this emerging technology in the country.
“India has produced over 40 Quantum Technology start-ups in 2 years, few of them with global potential,” Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has said.
Chairing a review meeting of the Department of Science & technology the union minister Dr. Jitendra Singh directed the officials to focus on the flagship National Quantum Mission and work on the development of quantum technologies and quantum communication. As India is currently on an equal pedestal with other nations in terms of quantum technologies are concerned, he added.
Jitendra Singh highlighting the role of startups and the private sector in the development of science and technology, shared the success story of ‘QuNu Labs’, a Bangalore-based startup incubated by ‘IIT Madras’ which has signed a MoU with the Technology Development Board ‘TDB’ for development of security products based on quantum technologies.
Singh said women’s participation in extramural research and development (R&D) doubled in the last 10 years. He also recalled the ‘ease of applying’ by referring to the ‘Common Fellowship Portal’ recently launched by the government.
He also said that India is becoming the ‘startup capital of the world’ from a few hundred before 2014 to more than 1.25 lakh in 2024 along with more than 110 unicorns.
The meeting also saw the participation of Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Sunil Kumar, Additional secretary; Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, Surveyor General of India; Directors of Institutes under DST, head of various departments along with senior scientists and officials.
