Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus organized a one-day Symposium on “Recent Advances in Quantum Science & Technology”. The Symposium aimed to bring together leading experts, scientists, academicians, and industry stakeholders to discuss recent advancements in quantum technologies, including quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
Highlighting the significance of Quantum Science & Technology, Dr. Poornendo Chaturvedi, Scientist G, DRDO, averred, “Quantum Technology is extremely crucial in today’s scenario. It includes principles like superposition, entanglement, and interference to create capabilities which are impossible for classical systems. Quantum Technology speeds up the processing and its impact can been in every key economic sector, creating new job opportunities and driving economic growth, however, many problems and challenges need to be addressed. The youth must come forward and work on new innovations based on Quantum Technology since the future lies here.”
Providing information about the National Quantum Mission, Dr. L. Venkata Subramaniam, CEO, Qbit Force (Ex-IBM India Quantum Head), opined, “All mobile chips are designed by Indians and India has the largest talent pool in the area of Quatum Technology, however, India lacks products. Under the National Quantum Mission, it is our aim to create a vibrant ecosystem in Quantum Technology and give India a “quantum jump” by developing homegrown technology. The government is providing funding of Rs25 crores for startups and the youth must launch their own ventures. Institutions like Amity must take the lead and new talent must develop new technologies, which wil make India a developed country.”
Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University, stated, “Amity has been at the forefront fo research and innovation. It is Amity’s mission to nurture the youth who wil take our country ahead of all the other countries in the world. India has the best brains in the world, however, we need to become a product nation. There is a need to translate research into real-world applications.”
Dr. Chauhan announced 30 fellowships in the area of Quantum Technology and also launched the Amity Quantum Mission website on this occasion.
Explaining the history of Quantum Technology, Mr. Atul Gupta, Scientist G & Head, CoE Quantum Technologies, C-DOT, stated, “Quantum Technology is not new and was discovered 125 years ago. The first Quantum Revolution took place in 1940s which included transistors, semiconductors, lasers, solar cells, etc and the second revolution is taking place now which includes Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Quantum Materials, resulting in a paradigm shift in computation, communications, sensing and device technology. The reason for a sudden Quantum boom is technological advancement and use of Quantum technology in various areas such as Drug Discovery, Logistics & Supply Chain Optimisation, Climate Modelling and Weather Prediction, and many others. Under the National Quantum Mission, the government is actively investing in quantum R&D, infrastructure and ecosystem building. Quantum Technology has also been included in AICTE Curriculum and UG & PG curricula in Quantum Technology have been launched to build India’s quantum-ready talent across institutions. C-DOT is keen on partnering with academia and industry to build, secure and advance India’s Quantum Future.”
Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President-ASTIF, stated, “The insightful symposium will deliberate upon emerging trends, foster collaborations, and strengthen the quantum ecosystem across academia, industry, and government. Eminent organizations such as DRDO, IBM Quantum, QNu Labs, NXP Semiconductors, C-DAC, and leading academic institutions are participating in the Symposium, reflecting a strong convergence of academia–industry-government collaboration.”
Dwelling upon DRDO’s contribution in Quantum technology, Dr. Santu Sardar, Director (DYSL-QT), DRDO, noted, “DRDO is working on building expertise in the area of Quantum Technology and building technologies for import substituion. Therefore, it is engaging with industries, coordinating with National Quantum Mission and working on upskilling the scientists. DRDO Young Scientists Lab for Quantum Technologies( DYSL-QT) was established in the year 2019 and DRDO is closely working with the academia and start-ups, thereby extending joint activities. it is also offering paid internships to Junior Research Fellows(JRFs), Research Assisants, and providing them with employment opportunities.” He called upon the young aspiring scientists to join DRDO and contribute to nation-building.
Stressing upon the need for “Quantum Accelerators for enabling Quantum Computing on Supercomputers”, Dr. Abhishek Tiwari, Associate Director, Scientist F, C-DAC Noida, asserted, “There is a need for Quantum Accelerator since classical computers are not able to solve the problems at a fast rate. Physical quantum computers are expensive, error-prone and limited and our country lacks the indigenous access to quantum hardware for researchers and students. Therefore, when Quantum Accelerators, are used in Quantum Computing, they make the process faster and the job easier.”
On this occasion, a Panel Discussion on “Industry–Academia–Government Partnership for Leadership in Quantum Technologies”, was organized wherein experts such as Dr. Anindita Banerjee, Sr. Quantum Technologist, C-DAC Pune, Dr. Harish Sahu, Scientist F, SAG, DRDO, Dr. Abhijeet Mitra, Assistant Professor, IIIT Delhi and others participated. In addition, student presentations were also held as part of the Symposium.
