Scientists from diverse national institutions, working on thin films and crystals essential to the field of quantum technology, discussed the potential of such quantum materials to propel technological progress and pave the way for prosperous commercial ventures, at the national conference centred around "Crystals for Quantum Technology”.
In his online message, Prof Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India emphasized the significance of the ongoing Quantum Mission lead by the Government of India under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi. He highlighted the pivotal role of condensed matter physicists, material scientists, and electronic engineers from diverse institutes across the country and called for exploring inter-institute cooperation to synergize efforts for quantum materials and devices essential for quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
Acknowledging that the country would need more experts and facilities in the field, Prof Sood stressed that researchers and technologists from different institutes should pool their resources and facilities. This collaborative approach, he asserted, would contribute significantly to the new frontier of quantum technology on the international stage. He envisioned a future where national and international industrial companies would step forward to offer support, and new deep-tech startups would emerge, further catalyzed by initiatives like Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched earlier this year.
Prof. Amitava Patra, Director, INST, an autonomous institute of DST emphasized the alignment of the institute's efforts with the vision outlined by the Prime Minister, reflecting the commitment of the institute to advancing quantum technology at a national level.
He added that with expertise and state-of-the-art facilities in thin film synthesis, various photophysical techniques, and the recent establishment of a 10,000-class cleanroom facility, INST Mohali stands poised to contribute substantially to the nation's goals.
Several other National and international experts in quantum technologies along with Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, Prof. Gowrishankar Director, IISER Mohali, Dr. Baldev Setia, Director PEC, Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director NPL, Prof. Arun K Grover, VC (former), PU participated in the conference.
The eminent scientist Prof. Aridam Ghosh from IISc mentioned that this is an essential initiative towards an indigenous and self-reliant quantum technology ecosystem in India. Without adequate materials infrastructure we cannot propel quantum technology beyond the state-of-art.
The aim of this two-day conference was to bring together potential researchers in the field of thin film depositions who may contribute to the recently announced "Indian National Quantum Mission" by the Honorable Prime Minister of India.
