The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), India’s national measurement institute, hosted a pivotal “Focused Interaction Meeting on Indigenous Approaches to Quantum Technologies, Measurements, and Standardization” on May 6, 2025.
The meeting convened a diverse group of stakeholders from various Ministries and Institutions to address the critical need for developing indigenous standards and measurement capabilities to support India’s rapidly growing quantum technologies sector. The focused meeting was attended by over 40 invited delegates including Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Co-founder, HCL & Chairman, Mission Governing Board, National Quantum Mission (NQM), Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, Indian Institute of Technology- Madras (IIT-M), Chennai, Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-NPL, Dr. Sivakumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), New Delhi and representatives of Indian Army, Indian Navy, ISRO, DRDO, TIFR Mumbai, IITs-Madras, Delhi, Tirupati, IISER-Pune, BIS-New Delhi, DoT-New Delhi, MeitY-New Delhi, TEC- New Delhi, DIAT-Pune, MCTE-Mhow, C-DOT-New Delhi along with teams from CSIR-NPL and IIT-M Pravartak Technologies Foundation, Chennai.
Participants emphasized that the development of precise measurements, robust standards, and the pursuit of technological sovereignty are fundamental to building reliable and trustworthy quantum technologies. It was highlighted that homegrown quantum approaches, capabilities, and advancements are essential for driving national and international standardization efforts, fostering business opportunities, and ensuring the practical utility of quantum technology. The participants deliberated and strongly felt the need for specific standards in the field.
The event served as a platform for expert dialogue among metrologists, quantum technology experts, strategic sector leaders, and policymakers. The meeting spurred discussions on strategic collaborations to accelerate the development and deployment of indigenous quantum technologies and on formulating policy frameworks to nurture a self-reliant quantum technology ecosystem.
A central theme of the discussions was the critical importance of the four pillars necessary for the smooth adoption and advancement of quantum technologies in India: characterization/calibration, standardization, validation, and certification.
Several prominent figures felt strongly that CSIR-NPL should play a vital role in the NQM, especially considering the urgent requirement of standardization of emerging quantum technologies under the umbrella of the ambitious and futuristic NQM Program. Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director of CSIR-NPL, delivered a keynote address on “Quantum Metrology and Metrology for Quantum Technologies”. He provided an overview of NPL’s role in India’s National Quality Infrastructure as the custodian of national standards. Prof. Achanta emphasized the importance of quantum metrology and standardization in developing India’s Quantum Technology ecosystem. He also presented NPL’s R&D activities and efforts toward developing new quantum standards and made a strong case for CSIR-NPL’s inclusion in the ongoing NQM.
Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Co-founder, HCL & Chairman, Mission Governing Board, National Quantum Mission (NQM), delivered a keynote address on “Accelerating the Indigenization Quotient in Quantum Technologies through Certification and Characterization”. Dr. Chowdhry echoed the importance of metrology and standardization for the successful outcome of the NQM. He stressed the need for technology sovereignty through indigenous quantum technologies, supported by Indian standards, metrology, accreditation, and certification, to bolster India’s Quantum R&D, startups, and armed forces. Dr. Chowdhry urged institutions under NQM, including NPL, C-DOT, and Pravartak, to collaborate on a policy framework that integrates metrology and standardization as essential components of the NQM, specifically advocating for the onboarding of CSIR-NPL.
Prof.V.Kamakoti, Director, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M), Chennai, delivered a keynote address on “Towards the Confluence of a Computer Scientist and a Metrologist to aid Strides in Quantum Technology”. Prof. Kamakoti emphasized the indigenous development and standardization of quantum computers and quantum communication systems.
The Indian Armed Forces, represented by Maj. Gen. Subhasis Das (Army) and Rear Admiral T. Ajit (Navy), highlighted their push to adopt quantum technologies. They stressed the urgent need for collaboration between R&D institutions and the military to develop and deploy relevant quantum solutions, emphasizing the critical role of India- specific standards, especially for secure communication and quantum cryptography.
Representatives from C-DOT and TEC expressed their strong willingness in partnership with CSIR-NPL for developing India-specific standards and relevant documentation required for upcoming quantum technologies.
Several keynote addresses and technical talks were followed by an engrossing panel discussion. In the panel discussion, all members unanimously agreed on the necessity of indigenous development of quantum technologies and their standards, as well as metrology, for a “Sashakt” (Strong) and “Aatmnirbhar” (Self-Reliant) Bharat.
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NKR/PSM
