A Powerful Engine Working in the Background
To Make Life Healthier, Safer, and More Efficient.
2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It is a UN initiative and highlights how quantum science, once a purely theoretical field, has become central to technologies shaping the future, from computing to secure communication. The observation is both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action. A typical computer looks at one piece at a time. A quantum computer can look at many pieces at once, making it much faster. India has moved from being a research-focused player to an emerging hub for quantum technology, with substantial government backing. The US is currently at the forefront of quantum technology, with China and the European Union close behind, while countries like India, Japan, and Canada are emerging as strong players. Efforts to build public acceptance of quantum technology are essential and underway worldwide. The challenge is to address the exaggerated claims of quantum breakthroughs and the unrealistic expectations they create. Quantum computing is not something you will hold in your hand like a smartphone. It is a powerful engine working in the background to make life healthier, safer, and more efficient for everyone.
The UN declared 2025 as the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology”, marking 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics. The initiative highlights how quantum science—once a purely theoretical field—has become central to technologies shaping the future, from computing to secure communication. The observation is both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action.
Quantum is Not a Replacement.
Classical Computing Will Remain Dominant
for Everyday Tasks.
A typical computer looks at one piece at a time. A quantum computer can look at many pieces at once, making it much faster. Imagine you are trying to find your friend’s house in a vast city. A classical computer is like checking every street one by one until you find it. A quantum computer is like being able to check every street at once, drastically speeding up the search. An often-quoted example is spinning a coin. A classical bit is like a coin lying flat, heads (0) or tails (1). A quantum qubit is like a coin spinning in the air; it is in a mix of heads and tails until you catch it. A qubit is not just 0, 1, or “both.”
Quantum mechanics describes the strange behaviour of particles. They can exist in multiple states at once (superposition), and two particles can remain linked across vast distances (entanglement). Quantum technology has moved beyond theory into early real-world applications, with massive investment and global momentum. However, it is still years away from widespread everyday use.
The US is currently at the forefront of quantum technology, with China and the European Union close behind, while countries like India, Japan, and Canada are emerging as strong players. The leading companies in quantum innovation today are IBM, Google, Microsoft, IonQ, Quantinuum, and D-Wave, with each excelling in different aspects of hardware, software, and applications.
India is now positioning itself as a serious contender in the global quantum race. National Quantum Mission anchors India’s quantum ambitions. Thematic Hubs at IISc and the IITs (Madras, Bombay, and Delhi) have been established, each focusing on one of the developments (Computing, Communication, Materials and Devices, and Sensing and Metrology). Researchers from more than 40 institutions are closely participating in the research and development activities of these hubs, paving the way for the creation of a broad national talent pool.
Talent Gap
A shortage of trained quantum engineers and scientists slows progress. Aspiring students who want to excel in quantum technology should build strong foundations in physics, mathematics, and engineering (especially computer science). Gain hands-on experience with quantum tools and actively engage with the global quantum ecosystem. Pursuing specialised programs in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum materials would be helpful. In India and globally, new undergraduate and postgraduate curricula are being introduced to build a quantum-ready workforce.
Hype vs Reality
Efforts to build public acceptance of quantum technology are underway worldwide, but they face significant challenges. The media sometimes exaggerates quantum breakthroughs, leading to unrealistic expectations. If progress feels slow, public enthusiasm can fade.
Quantum Computing is Not Something
You Will Hold in Your Hand Like a Smartphone.
For the ordinary person, developments in quantum science and technology would lead to finding faster solutions to bigger problems that trickle down into everyday conveniences — safer internet, better medicine, smoother travel, and more reliable weather forecasts. Quantum computing is not something you will hold in your hand like a smartphone. It is a powerful engine working in the background to make life healthier, safer, and more efficient for everyone.
Toon: Reema
Log: M Sai Baba
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