Start-ups Invited to Apply for Funding and Support Under National Quantum Mission: IISER Pune
Pune, 9th August 2024: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technologies (QT). This is expected to accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the quantum ecosystem within the country and in due course make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications.
To promote innovation and start-ups in this technologically challenging area, the Department of Science and Technology has announced a call for proposals for Start-ups keen to work in this area. These startups would be incubated/funded by I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, a Section-8 company promoted by IISER Pune.
I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation which functions within the environs of IISER Pune is dedicated to basic and translational research in the area of quantum technologies, and translating quantum research into products and services of socio-economic values.
The call for proposals for start-ups was formally launched on August 6, 2024 by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST, in the presence of Prof. Ajay K Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Shri Ajai Chowdhry, the Chairman of the Mission Governing Board of NQM, Prof. Sunil S. Bhagwat, Director IISER Pune, and other dignitaries.
In a significant step towards fostering a quantum technology ecosystem in India, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has also now unveiled guidelines to support and nurture quantum startups. These guidelines outline a clear roadmap for startups to access resources, funding, mentorship and infrastructure support. This is expected to enable Indian start-ups to develop globally competitive products and services in the area of Quantum Technologies.
