ET gathers that 15-20 proposals are expected and about four of these will be selected across the identified domains- quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing & metrology and quantum materials & devices.
The proposals will be accepted until March 21 and a final selection is expected by April-May.
An expert panel, Mission Technology Research Council, will finally select the proposals and the institutions that will be part of the T-Hub. Much homework has already been done. A shortlisting of institutions and researchers involved in quantum technology has been done internally so as to identify the apt institutes for the proposals.
The T Hub will be the core of the implementation of the NQM and technical groups will help set them up on consortia mode. Each Technical Group, in a specific technology vertical, will consist of at least 3-4 academic institutions/R&D labs and a possible start up or industry partners working in the domain.
An expert committee- the Mission Technology Research Council (MTRC)-will finally select the proposals and the institutions that will be part of the T-Hub. Much homework has already been done. A shortlisting of institutions and researchers involved in quantum technology has been done internally so as to identify the apt institutes for the proposals.The Technical Group will be led by a Lead Principal Investigator (Lead PI) who will be the main contact point among consortia members.The LPI will submit a detailed pre-proposal on behalf of the entire consortium and help set up the T-Hub as a Section 8 company.
In total, about Rs 6,000 crores have been earmarked for the National quantum Mission for eight years and Rs 3,000 crore is expected to go towards the four T-Hubs.
The big focus and highest priority will be on Quantum Computing, which is a clear target area for India, given the gap vis a vis global technology advancement. The maximum funding es expected to go towards this T-Hub- to the tune of Rs 1,000 crores.
Since much work has been done on quantum computing by ISRO as well as the private sector, it may require lesser funding and handholding, it is ascertained.