New Delhi: India finds itself at a crucial juncture where the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing demands urgent attention. As the world embraces digital transformation at an unprecedented pace, harnessing the power of these cutting-edge technologies is not just advantageous but an urgent need for India’s sustained growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
AI has already begun revolutionising industries, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and transportation. Its ability to analyse vast amounts of data, derive meaningful insights, and automate processes holds the key to unlocking efficiency, innovation, and economic prosperity. Nations with advanced AI capabilities will not only enjoy economic advantages but also gain significant leverage in shaping international norms and standards related to data governance, privacy, and ethics. India must invest significantly in AI research, development, and adoption to leverage its potential fully.
Moreover, the emergence of quantum computing promises to reshape the very foundations of computing. With the ability to perform complex calculations at speeds unimaginable with classical computers, quantum computing opens doors to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from optimising supply chains to advancing drug discovery. India cannot afford to lag behind in this quantum race and must prioritise investments in quantum research, talent development, and infrastructure.
Anticipated as early as 2025, Quantum-Day represents a pivotal moment when quantum computing, outpacing current supercomputers, will possess unprecedented capabilities to breach encryption protecting most modern communications. The primary concern revolves around the vulnerability of data transmitted over public networks. Post Quantum-Day, businesses face the threat of intellectual property theft, exposure of public health records, and the compromise of military strategies. Meanwhile, quantum computing holds the promise of exponentially faster processing speeds, enabling breakthroughs in cryptography, optimisation, and simulation. Nations with quantum supremacy will possess a decisive edge in areas such as cybersecurity, military intelligence, and scientific research, thereby consolidating their geopolitical influence.
Quantum computing revolutionises computation by leveraging principles of quantum mechanics to process information fundamentally distinct from classical computers. Unlike classical bits, which denote binary states, quantum computers employ qubits capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition. Furthermore, qubits can be entangled, augmenting computational power. This breakthrough enables quantum computers to execute complex calculations at unmatched speeds, potentially resolving currently insurmountable problems for classical computers.
In the race for supremacy in AI and quantum computing, every nation is vying for a leading position, recognising the unparalleled advantages these technologies offer in reshaping economies, national security, and global influence.
In the 21st century, geopolitical influence will increasingly be wielded by nations that possess a significant edge in transformative technologies such as AI, Web3, and quantum computing. These technologies are not just tools for economic growth and societal advancement but also powerful instruments for shaping global agendas and securing strategic advantages. Nations at the forefront of AI, Web3, and quantum computing will possess the ability to leverage data, control digital infrastructure, and manipulate information flows, thereby exerting considerable influence on the world stage.
However, in this race for technological supremacy, collaboration is likely to take a backseat to competition. The stakes are simply too high, and the potential rewards too lucrative for nations to prioritise cooperation over asserting their dominance. Instead, we are likely to witness a series of supremacy wars, characterised by fierce competition, espionage, and strategic manoeuvring as countries vie for superiority in these critical domains.
Web3, the decentralised web powered by blockchain technology, presents new opportunities for reshaping digital economies and challenging centralised control over information and resources. Nations that embrace Web3 and establish themselves as hubs for blockchain innovation will command influence in shaping the future of finance, governance, and digital rights. In this high-stakes race for technological dominance, nations will spare no effort in investing resources attracting top talent, and forging strategic alliances to gain the upper hand. The winners of this geopolitical competition will not only shape the future of technology but also wield immense influence over the global order, driving home the imperative for nations to prioritise investments in AI, Web3, and quantum computing to secure their standing in the 21st century.
First, AI and quantum computing are poised to revolutionise industries across the board, from finance and healthcare to agriculture and energy. Nations understand that dominance in these fields translates to enhanced productivity, innovation, and competitiveness, propelling their economies to new heights. Moreover, the strategic implications of AI and quantum computing cannot be overstated. In an increasingly interconnected world, AI-powered systems hold the key to bolstering cybersecurity, optimising military operations, and safeguarding national interests.
Furthermore, technological leadership in AI and quantum computing confers significant soft power, enabling nations to shape global norms, standards, and regulations. Those at the forefront can influence the direction of technological advancements, dictate market trends, and establish themselves as hubs for innovation and talent attraction.
Given these multifaceted advantages, it’s no wonder that nations worldwide are intensifying their efforts to establish supremacy in AI and quantum computing. In this fiercely competitive landscape, India must position itself strategically, leveraging its immense talent pool, entrepreneurial spirit, and rich heritage of innovation to emerge as a frontrunner in the global race for technological dominance. The time to seize the opportunities presented by AI and quantum computing is now, as failure to do so risks falling behind in this pivotal moment of history.
While China has made significant strides in quantum computing, India’s recent entry into the arena with its National Quantum Mission marks a pivotal moment in the race for technological dominance. With a budget allocation of a smaller ₹6,003 crore over eight years, India’s ambitious mission aims to bridge the gap and propel the nation to the forefront of quantum computing innovation. The objectives of the mission, including the creation of 50 to 1,000 qubits of quantum computing hardware, establishment of a 2,000 km quantum communications network, and cultivation of a robust domestic ecosystem for quantum research, underscore India’s commitment to harnessing the power of quantum technology.
The low fund allocation in India to its Quantum Mission can be attributed to various factors, including budget constraints, competing priorities, and a historical focus on traditional sectors. However, in the face of escalating investments by global players like the US, China, and the UK, it is imperative for India to ramp up its efforts in quantum research and development. These countries are pouring substantial resources into quantum computing and related technologies, recognising their transformative potential across industries.
However, with IBM, a single American entity, poised to achieve the 1,000-qubit milestone this year, the pressure is on for both nations – China and India to accelerate their efforts and make substantial investments to keep pace with global advancements in quantum computing. The outcome of this race will not only determine technological leadership but also shape the geopolitical landscape for years to come.
India cannot afford to lag behind in this race for technological supremacy, as it risks losing ground in an increasingly competitive global landscape. To remain relevant and assert its position on the world stage, India must prioritise quantum initiatives, increase funding allocations to a much larger number, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and attract top talent to drive innovation in this critical field. Failure to do so could result in missed opportunities for economic growth, national security, and societal advancement.
The current STEM ecosystem in India is plagued by several challenges, including low-quality teachers, outdated content, inadequate research facilities, and a low output of research and academic papers in crucial subjects like AI, quantum computing, and Web3. Furthermore, corporates in India allocate minimal resources towards research and development (R&D). This status quo poses a significant barrier to India’s aspirations of becoming a leader in these transformative technologies. Simply relying on the entrepreneurial spirit of young innovators is insufficient; there is an urgent need to establish a robust ecosystem for STEM education, research, and funding. Without such initiatives, there’s a risk of talent migration to countries with more conducive environments, hindering India’s potential to excel in the global technological arena.
From a Gen Z perspective, quantum computing and AI hold immense importance due to their potential to drive innovation, shape future technologies, and address pressing global challenges. Quantum computing’s ability to solve complex problems at unprecedented speeds opens doors to advancements in various fields, including healthcare, climate modelling, and personalised medicine. Additionally, AI powered by quantum computing can revolutionise industries by enabling more accurate predictions, faster data processing, and enhanced automation. For Gen Z individuals, who are digital natives and have grown up in an era defined by technological innovation, the prospect of quantum computing and AI represents exciting opportunities for shaping the future and making meaningful contributions to society.
Moreover, quantum computing and AI offer promising career opportunities for Gen Z individuals interested in STEM fields. As demand for professionals with expertise in quantum algorithms, programming, and security grows, Gen Z individuals can position themselves as leaders in these emerging fields. Additionally, the entrepreneurial landscape is ripe for disruption, with quantum-enhanced technologies paving the way for innovative startups and ventures.
India stands at a pivotal juncture where concerns about being merely outsourced developers for the world collide with promising opportunities in AI, quantum computing, and Web3. Despite experiencing a remarkable compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25-35 percent in the AI sector, there’s a pressing need to shift focus towards building intellectual property (IP) in these cutting-edge technologies. According to a recent industry report, with a projected 15 percent CAGR in demand for AI talent by 2027 and AI and machine learning (ML) emerging as top categories for IT spending, India possesses a substantial talent pool and leads in skills penetration in AI. However, to truly establish a competitive edge, India must transition from being a service provider to a creator by investing in research, development, and product innovation in AI, quantum computing, and Web3.
While India experienced significant growth in outsourced tech services during the 1990s and early millennium, this model of development does not represent cutting-edge technology innovation. In the 21st century, India cannot afford to rely solely on being a provider of cheap labour, being the ‘cyber-coolies’ for the rest of the world.
Instead, India must pivot towards creating its own technologies and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and development. Merely providing services to other nations does not foster technological advancement or enable India to compete globally at the forefront of innovation. To truly establish itself as a leader in the tech industry, India must invest in research, development, and entrepreneurship to generate original technologies that drive progress and shape the future.
In the late 1990s, when the internet emerged and web1 and web2 businesses became entrenched in the western world, India lacked significant political influence on the global stage and financial resources to compete in these burgeoning sectors. However, this historical setback cannot be repeated in the domains of AI, quantum computing, and web3. India cannot afford to cede supremacy in these transformative technologies to the Western world or other nations.
(The author is a Policy Researcher and Corporate advisor. He tweets @ssmumbai )
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone. The opinions and facts in this article do not represent the stand of News9.)
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