Quantum Mission and ML are advancing India’s global quantum leadership

PROF AMLAN CHAKRABORTY, 
PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR, 
A.K. CHOUDHURY SCHOOL OF IT- UNIVERSITY OF KOLKATA

When I look back at the evolution of computing—from my undergraduate years to today—the goal has always been the same: achieving more power at lower cost, with greater energy efficiency. This pursuit has taken us from early processors to the cloud era, enabling us to process massive datasets, handle countless threats, and solve increasingly complex problems faster than ever before.

Classical computing encodes information in bits—zeros and ones. Quantum computing, however, uses qubits, which can exist in a superposition of states. A qubit represents both 0 and 1 simultaneously, with probabilities attached. Two qubits encode four possibilities, three encode eight, and n qubits represent 20 states. This exponential scaling gives quantum computing its extraordinary potential.

Yet, immense power brings immense challenges. As qubit counts rise, their interactions generate noise and errors. That is why quantum error correction is central to current research. I believe stable systems with hundreds or even thousands of qubits are on the horizon, unlocking transformative breakthroughs.

Still, not every problem needs quantum solutions. Just as GPUs accelerate specific tasks, quantum processors will serve as accelerators for select domains—drug discovery, material design, and astrophysics among them. The real challenge lies in identifying problems where quantum offers clear advantages.

Globally, researchers are testing multiple approaches—superconducting qubits, ion traps, photonics, and spin-based systems. India, through the National Quantum Mission, is advancing strongly. I take pride in our group being the first in India to win the IBM Researcher’s Access Award, and in seeing our PhD students now contributing to leading global technology firms.

Meanwhile, quantum communication is already proving practical. Tools like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)provide ultra-secure channels, and quantum internet protocols
are beginning to take shape. These require fewer qubits than full-scale computing, making them more feasible in the near term.

The intersection of AI and quantum is another frontier. Quantum machine learning promises new opportunities, and this synergy may define the next wave of technological
progress.

Ultimately, quantum technology is not just about science—it is about reshaping industries, economies, and national security. The road ahead will be complex, but it is
filled with possibilities.