The 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC) opened on January 3, 2022, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The goal of the ISC is to promote the advancement of science in India and to increase the participation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) fields. The PM spoke of the need to embrace the potential of quantum computing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session and emphasized the need for an institutional framework to promote scientific environment in the country. He also highlighted India’s progress in the Global Innovation Index, which has moved from 81st place in 2015 to 40th place in 2022, quite a jump. The theme of the congress is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about the potential for quantum computing in India and the importance of focusing on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Other topics discussed at the congress included the role of low-cost satellite launch vehicles in India’s space sector, which might consist of microsatellites, opportunities for private businesses and startups to collaborate with R&D labs and academic institutions, and innovative solutions.
“India is moving fast in the direction of quantum computers, chemistry, communication, sensors, cryptography and new materials”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi OF INDIA
We created a well-received article, “A brief look at Quantum Computing in India”, only recently on Quantum Computing in India, where we surveyed the landscape. Read more from NDTV.