IIT Bombay Unveils Qmet Tech Foundation: Paving the Path for Quantum Leadership

The Quantum Sensing and Metrology Hub (Qmet Tech Foundation), established by IIT Bombay under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), convened leading experts in the field to outline a shared vision, define key milestones, and discuss strategies for future collaboration.

Qmet, a Section 8 not-for-profit company, serves as a pivotal hub for translational research, funding management, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among its member institutions. The kick-off meeting provided a platform to align strategies and pave the way forward.

Image Courtesy: Ministry of Science and Technology

In his inaugural address, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), highlighted the significance of the Qmet Tech Foundation in India’s pursuit of quantum excellence. He emphasized, “By uniting some of India’s brightest minds, we aim to drive breakthroughs in Quantum Sensing and Metrology, benefiting both India and the global quantum ecosystem. It is time to accelerate research into tangible solutions that will position India as a leader in the international quantum arena.”

Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean (R&D), and Prof. K. P. Kaliappan, Dean (Strategy), IIT Bombay, were also present during the event.

Prof. Kasturi Saha, Project Director of Qmet Tech Foundation, shared, “Qmet aims to be a global leader in quantum sensing, metrology, and imaging by advancing technologies, workforce training, and innovation. Our goal is to bridge research and applications, driving solutions in healthcare, national security, and scientific discovery.”

Kiran Shesh, CEO of Qmet Tech Foundation, outlined the structure of the hub, which includes 16 institutes and 40 researchers across India. He added, “This meeting fosters a shared sense of purpose and enthusiasm, driving collaboration and effective communication to achieve our common goals.”

As one of the four thematic hubs established under NQM by the DST, the Qmet Tech Foundation focuses on bridging fundamental research with practical applications in Quantum Sensing and Metrology. Technologies such as the Portable Magnetometer and the Quantum Diamond Microscope, developed in the lab of Prof. Kasturi Saha, will play a key role in advancing India’s position as a global leader in this field.

The successful launch of the Quantum Sensing and Metrology Hub marks an important step in India’s ambitions to lead in quantum technology. With a clear vision and robust collaboration among top-tier institutions, Qmet is poised to drive cutting-edge research and development in quantum sensing and metrology. As the hub advances, its groundbreaking work in sectors like healthcare, national security, and scientific discovery will not only benefit India but also strengthen the country’s position on the global quantum stage. The collective efforts at Qmet Tech Foundation promise to bring transformative change, propelling India into a future of quantum excellence.