As experts convened on October 5, 2025, at IIT-Delhi for the recent Emerging Tech Conference 2025 organised by Vision AI India, the air buzzed with talk of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and blockchain technologies, but woven through these discussions was also “quantum computing”, perhaps a more enigmatic term than all the others.

While it may not dominate headlines in the same way as AI, this profound shift in computation was presented as a foundational pillar for the next generation of innovation. For many, the concept still remains mysterious, which prompted the speakers to educate the audiences further on the opportunities, challenges and threats for the Indian R&D, defense and commercial landscape.

But what is this technology that promises to solve problems currently beyond the grasp of powerful supercomputers? And what is India's role in this global technological race?

The important thing to note is that quantum computing is not a fleeting trend; it requires a fundamental relearning of how we process information and its development is a story of national ambition, scientific ingenuity and immense potential.

From Bits to Qubits

To better understand what makes a quantum computer so different, it would perhaps help to first understand the computing device that you are using right now.

Every digital device, from your smartphone to the vast servers that power the internet, is built upon a simple, binary concept called the “bit”, which could be thought of as a light “switch” that can either be in an “off” state, represented by a “0”, or an “on” state, represented by a “1”. All the complexity of the digital world is built by stringing together billions of these switches in intricate sequences. A quantum computer, however, operates on a fundamentally different unit termed a “qubit.” Instead of being just on or off, a qubit can exist in a state of superposition, meaning it can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.

 Think of it like a spinning coin. While it's in the air, it is neither heads nor tails but a blend of both possibilities. Only when it lands, or in the case of a qubit, when it is measured, does it settle into a definite state of 0 or 1.

This ability to hold multiple values simultaneously is one source of a quantum computer's power. But there is another, even more counterintuitive property called entanglement. When two qubits are entangled, their fates become linked.

Measuring the state of one of these qubits instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of distance. This interconnectedness allows quantum computers to perform calculations in a highly coordinated and holistic way that classical computers will have a hard time replicating. The result is a computing system that doesn't just solve problems and calculate solutions faster, but inherently differently. While a classical computer would test possible solutions to a complex problem one by one, a quantum computer leverages these properties to explore a vast landscape of possibilities simultaneously.

Cutting Through the Hype: Capabilities and Challenges

A quantum computer will not be replacing classical devices for trivial tasks. The strength of quantum comes from its ability to tackle specific, incredibly complex problems that are intractable for classical computers.

These problems often involve simulation or optimisation on a massive scale. For example, designing a new life-saving drug requires understanding how complex molecules will interact. Simulating this at a quantum level is a task that could, at worst, take a classical supercomputer longer than the age of the universe.

A quantum computer could, theoretically, model these interactions more accurately. Similarly, in finance, quantum algorithms could optimise investment strategies by analysing countless market variables simultaneously.  But the technology is still in its early stages. Building and operating quantum computers is an immense scientific challenge.

Qubits are incredibly sensitive and can lose their quantum state in a process called decoherence which may happen due to the slightest changes in vibration or temperature, requiring them to be kept in highly controlled and often super-cooled environments to isolate them from all noise sources, which is an expensive task computationally and financially.

Overcoming these hardware challenges and developing effective error correction are the primary focus of researchers today.

India's National Quantum Mission

For a long time, this cutting-edge research was seen as the domain of a few tech giants and Western universities. However, India is not just a spectator anymore but a global competitor making deliberate and strategic decisions to lead it into the quantum era.

In 2023, the Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a visionary initiative with an investment of over `6,000 crores (approximately $730 million) slated for the period of 2023 to 2031.  The mission's goals are ambitious, ranging from developing quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 qubits, establishing secure quantum communication networks across the country, and fostering an ecosystem of innovation.

To achieve this, four thematic hubs are being established at leading institutions which will focus on the core pillars: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices. Esteemed institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) are at the forefront of this research. Additionally, a vibrant startup ecosystem is also taking root.

Your Journey into the Quantum Realm

The prospect of a quantum future can feel both exciting and intimidating. If you are not a physicist, you might be wondering as to how you could engage with this field without getting overwhelmed.  For anyone simply curious, A simple search for “quantum computing” on YouTube will yield dozens of excellent videos, tutorials and talks, from individuals, research institutes and companies in the quantum computing industry that will break down core concepts and the verbiage of science jargon into concise words with relatable examples.

For STEM students and professionals, online learning platforms such as NPTEL (run by IITs) offer introductory courses.

IBM's Qiskit is an open-source software development kit around for many years now that allows you to write your first quantum program in Python and run it on a real quantum computer via the cloud for free. Similarly, Microsoft's Azure Quantum and Amazon Braket also provide tools and cloud access for developers to experiment with.  These are just a few examples of open-source software that you have access to right now on your computers and laptops.

A New Age

The road ahead is long and full of challenges, but the foundational work is strong. It's also important to remember that this field needs more than just physicists and programmers.  It requires designers, communicators and ethicists, among many others. It truly is an interdisciplinary field like no other, and it needs talent from all spheres of industry and academic. With an abundance of scientific talent and the strategic backing of the NQM, India is positioning itself as a major player.

The investments we make now in research, education, and innovation will determine our place in a future where the ability to solve the unsolvable will be the new measure of progress. A quantum leap is coming, and India is preparing to lead it.