Govt expands National Quantum Mission startup cohort to 17, backs 9 new deeptech startups

In a significant move to enhance its National Quantum Mission, the Indian government has welcomed nine new startups into its program, bringing the total number of supported ventures to 17. This initiative aims to strengthen the country's capabilities in various domains such as quantum computing, communication, sensing, and advanced materials. Among the newly added startups are Sense-XT, ORVISSEMI, QuBeats, Quantum AI Global, bloq, GDQ Labs, Quantum Biosciences, Bumble Bee Instruments Pvt. Ltd., and SAS Qute Electronics Pvt. Ltd. These companies are developing innovative applications, including quantum biosensors for health diagnostics, photon sensing technologies, quantum positioning systems, atomic memory solutions, and precision electronic systems. Officials emphasize that this expansion is part of a larger strategy to cultivate a pipeline of deeptech startups capable of transforming research into practical technologies. The expansion aligns with India’s ongoing advancements in quantum communication, highlighted by a demonstration of a 1,000-kilometer quantum communication network utilizing homegrown technologies. During a review of this progress, Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of increasing participation and visibility for such initiatives. He called for more transparency, structured evaluations, and broader outreach to enhance awareness of government-supported research and development funding. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, the National Quantum Mission has already made notable strides, achieving a secure communication milestone of 1,000 kilometers in under three years, despite an ambitious goal of reaching 2,000 kilometers within eight years. Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, described the recent achievements in quantum communication as a landmark development in secure communication technology. To support its expanding startup ecosystem, the initiative is backed by the government’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) framework. Agencies like the Technology Development Board and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are acting as secondary fund managers. Following a recent call for proposals, the Technology Development Board received over 100 applications in just two months, with six companies already moving forward for investment, while additional proposals are still under review. Meanwhile, BIRAC has reported a significant increase in activity, with nearly 200 applications received for projects in fields such as cancer research, gene therapy, and bio-manufacturing.