Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology
Context
- Recently, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has officially approved the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD) to transform Amaravati into India’s first Quantum Valley and a global hub for quantum technologies.
About the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD)
- It positions Amaravati as a deep-tech capital aligned with India’s National Quantum Mission.
- It reflects a multi-stakeholder commitment involving the state government, global tech giants like IBM, TCS, and L&T, academia, and startups to build a vibrant quantum innovation ecosystem.
- It will attract $1 billion in investments by January 1, 2029, with $500 million targeted by 2027, focusing on quantum computing, chips, sensing, and communications.
- This fosters the creation of QChipIN, India’s largest open quantum testbed, integrating quantum computers.
Significance
- It aims to position Amaravati as a globally competitive quantum research hub.
- It promotes public-private partnerships for innovation.
- The initiative encourages skilling and research in cutting-edge science.
- It aligns with India’s broader quantum mission goals and tech-driven economic development.
| Quantum Computer & Its Technology – Quantum computers are a revolutionary class of machines that harness the principles of quantum mechanics — the physics of subatomic particles. – It is exponentially faster than traditional systems, and allows quantum computers to solve problems like molecular simulations, optimization, and cryptography. Core Concepts of Quantum Computing – Qubit: The basic unit of quantum information. Unlike classical bits (0 or 1), qubits can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously. – Superposition: A qubit can be in multiple states at once, enabling parallel computation. – Entanglement: Qubits can be linked such that the state of one instantly affects the other, even across large distances. – Quantum Gates: Operations that manipulate qubits, similar to logic gates in classical computers. Strategic Importance – Quantum computing is considered a dual-use technology with wide-ranging implications for national security, healthcare and research, as well as solving complex financial and logistical problems. – India’s push for indigenous quantum capabilities is vital to avoid dependence on foreign cloud-based quantum systems, which pose data sovereignty risks. Quantum Technologies in Practice – National Quantum Mission (NQM): It was launched with ₹6,003 crore funding to develop quantum computers with 50–1000 qubits by 2031. – QpiAI-Indus: India’s first full-stack quantum computer with 25 superconducting qubits, launched in 2025. – Quantum Communication: ISRO and SAC are developing satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) systems for ultra-secure data transmission. – Quantum Materials: Research into superconductors and topological materials for building stable quantum devices. Challenges Ahead – Error correction: Qubits are fragile and prone to decoherence. – Scalability: Building systems with thousands of reliable qubits remains a major engineering challenge. – Cost & Complexity: Requires cryogenic environments and advanced shielding. |
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