To expedite the Human Resource Development under the four T-Hubs, by Quantum Technologies, it's imperative to focus on capacity building, targeting a diverse range of individuals including students, undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral candidates, post-doctoral researchers, as well as skilled and semi-skilled manpower.

The proposed teaching labs will provide practical training to support the theoretical modules of this program and build a foundational quantum-ready workforce. The labs set up should also cater to the requirements of networking labs in the nearby areas.

Objectives

• To promote experiential learning in quantum technologies at the undergraduate level.
• To build institutional capacity for hands-on quantum education and experimentation.
• To support the implementation of the UG Minor Course in Quantum Technologies with physical infrastructure and lab components.
• To nurture early-stage interest and skills in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing.

Funding Support 

• Government/Government aided institutions/universities: 100% support by DST.
• Other AICTE/UGC recognized Institutions/Universities: 75% by NQM, DST and 25% by the Grantee Institution of total project cost and/or actual expenditure within the total project cost (whichever is less).
• The selection will be through a peer review mechanism and visit to the laboratories, if necessary.
• No additional Maintenance supports will be provided. Guarantee institutions should include/negotiate for extended warranty of the equipment at the time of purchase for up to March 2031 and commit to maintain the facility beyond the period of support.
• Duration of support: Till the National Quantum Mission period i.e. March 2031.

Eligibility Criteria

• Institutional Eligibility
  • Institutions must meet either of the following categories:
    • Government Funded/aided Institutions: Central or State Government funded/aided technical institutions/universities.
  • Other AICTE/UGC recognized Institutions/Universities:
    • Institutions must fulfil at least one of the following academic quality benchmarks:
    • Recognised as an Institution of Eminence by AICTE/UGC
    • 8th Edition of NIRF ranked Institutions (announcement made on 5th June 2023).
    • QS World Ranking Asia-2024 (announcement made on 8th Nov 2023).
    • Institutions having minimum of 30% eligible courses with NBA accreditation. (The institutions should continue to get accreditation of their programs)
    • Institutions with valid NAAC score of 3.01 and above on scale of 4.0.
    • Institutions having conferred ‘Autonomous Status’ by UGC/Autonomy by AICTE.
    • Institutions having more than 80% admission consecutively for last 5 Academic Years.
• Faculty and Programme Readiness
  • Institutions must demonstrate proven capabilities in Quantum Technologies, faculty commitment and preparedness to launch the B.Tech Minor program in Quantum Technologies, along with the capability to maintain and operate the associated laboratory.
  • There must be a minimum of two faculty members with relevant expertise in quantum technologies, each dedicating at least one-third of their academic time to the lab and its activities. Evidence based expertise in the university/institution
• Laboratory Infrastructure
  • A dedicated teaching laboratory space of at least 2000 sq. ft. must be available for setting up the quantum technologies lab.
  • Institutions must appoint at least one full-time dedicated laboratory technician/personnel with appropriate qualifications and experience in relevant areas.
• Academic Approvals
  • Institutions must have received Senate/Governing Body approval for launching the UG Minor Programme in Quantum Technologies.
  • Submit a formal written commitment indicating intent to start the programme upon obtaining the necessary approval.

Evaluation and Selection Process

• All proposals will undergo peer-review by committees of domain experts constituted by DST.
• Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online/offline presentation.
• Final selection will be based on:
  • Faculty readiness, availability of qualified support staff to setup and maintain the laboratories and general infrastructure availability
  • Financial and institutional commitment
  • Alignment with the UG Minor course developed by NQM and AICTE

For more information, visit NQM.

https://onlinedst.gov.in/Projectproposalformat.aspx?Id=2368