**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2930, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Technology (DST), outlines initiatives under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to support startups and MSMEs in high-tech sectors. As of August 6, 2025, DST is implementing the NQM, establishing four Thematic Hubs (THubs) in fiscal year 2024-25 to focus on quantum technologies, including quantum computing, communication, sensing, metrology, and materials/devices. These THubs are mandated to support relevant startups and MSMEs.
DST has provided grant-in-aid to eight startups in quantum technologies: QuNu Labs, QpiAI, Dimira Technologies, PRENISHQ, QuPrayog, Pristine Diamonds, Quanastra, and Quan2D Technologies.
A total of ₹205.49 crore has been earmarked for skilling and training in quantum computing and related areas within academic institutions under the NQM.
The NQM emphasizes industry-academia collaboration through THubs, fostering translational research, prototype co-development, technology scaling, and commercialization with participation from academic institutions, R&D organizations, startups, and industry.
Specific outcomes include QuNu Labs' development of the Qshield quantum security platform and QpiAI's development of a 25-Qubit Quantum Computer based on Superconducting Qubit technology.
Key Entities Referenced
National Quantum Mission: A mission implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) focusing on quantum technologies.
Department of Science and Technology: The department under the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for implementing the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
Ministry of Science and Technology: The government ministry overseeing the Department of Science and Technology.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was addressed.
Jitendra Singh: The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.
QuNu Labs: A startup supported by DST in the area of quantum technologies, which has developed Qshield, a quantum security platform.
QpiAI: A startup supported by DST in the area of quantum technologies, which has developed a Quantum Computer with 25Qubit Quantum Processor.
Qshield: A quantum security platform developed by QuNu Labs.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2930
ANSWERED ON 06/08/2025
STARTUPS AND MSMEs IN HIGH-TECH SECTORS
2930. ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI:
Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:
(a) The details of the initiatives under NM-QTA geared towards supporting
startups and MSMEs in high-tech sectors;
(b) the details of the number of grant-in-aid projects sanctioned to private
entities;
(c) the details of funds earmarked for skilling and training in quantum
computing within academic institutions;
(d) the details of roadmap for industry-academia collaboration; and
(e) the details of the number of patents or prototypes generated till date?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी तथा पथ्ृ िी विज्ञान मंत्रालय के राज्य मंत्री (स्ितंत्र प्रभार)
(डॉ. जितेंद्र स हं )
(a) Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing the National
Quantum Mission (NQM). Under the Mission, four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs), each
focusing on a specific domain of quantum technologies have been established
in the financial year 2024-25. One of the major mandates of the T-Hubs is to
support startups and MSMEs working in high-tech sectors such as quantum
computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing & metrology and
quantum materials & devices.
(b) DST has supported eight startups in the area of quantum technologies:
QuNu Labs, QpiAI, Dimira Technologies, PRENISHQ, QuPrayog, Pristine
Diamonds, Quanastra, and Quan2D Technologies.
(c) Under NQM, a total of ₹205.49 crore has been earmarked for skilling and
training in quantum computing and related areas within academic institutions.
(d) The NQM places strong emphasis on industry-academia collaboration as a
core part of its implementation roadmap. This includes formation of T-Hubs that
bring together academic institutions, R&D organizations, startups, and industry
to engage in translational research, prototype co-development, scaling of
technologies, and commercialization efforts.
(e) QuNu Labs has developed a distinctive quantum security platform named
Qshield. QpiAI has developed a Quantum Computer with 25-Qubit Quantum
Processor based on Superconducting Qubit technology.
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