The Quantum Divide :

The Quantum Divide:
India has recently become the 7th nation to have a National Quantum mission : https://lnkd.in/dMKNB6wW
Here is an informative video on the National Quantum mission : https://lnkd.in/dcaUHmAP
Towards this, the government aims to establish four thematic hubs in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing & metrology, and quantum materials & devices at top academic and national R&D institutes. A Quantum mission vision document is expected during August 2023: https://lnkd.in/dQAw_ZXx
It is expected that IT companies such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tech Mahindra, Infosys and other software companies might also get involved as industry partners in the quantum initiative.
It is important to note that at the beginning of this year, on January 18th, 2023, the WEF drew attention to the fact that the world is heading for a ‘quantum divide’: https://lnkd.in/dcFJaSkD
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has warned that many countries risk being left behind in the quantum technology race and has called for quantum leaders to close the divide.
As we enter the quantum era, we must learn from the past experiences with the ‘digital divide’ to avoid repeating the same patterns.
Merging computer science and quantum mechanics, quantum computing is a complex field. And while it’s unrealistic to expect everyone to become a quantum physicist, fostering a baseline understanding of quantum concepts can empower individuals and communities to engage with quantum technologies and shape their use.
The success of the Open Universities and the Swayam experience should help us develop online learning platforms that offer quantum computing specializations, especially for self-learners. The ministry of education, the AIU, the UGC, EduTech companies and NGOs could all work ‘in phase’ to reduce inequities due to Quantum.
It is also crucial to make these resources available in multiple languages and accessible formats to truly democratize quantum learning.
Another aspect of bridging the quantum divide is making quantum computing technology accessible to researchers, developers and businesses, irrespective of their size or resources. Quantum cloud services, such as those offered by IBM and Amazon, are a tangible move in this direction. While quantum cloud services may lower the barrier to entry, they do not eliminate it entirely. Furthermore, internet connectivity, which is a prerequisite for accessing cloud-based quantum services, is still not a reality for everyone.
The quantum divide is a real risk as we move towards a quantum future. But, by focusing on education, accessibility and cooperation, we can ensure that quantum computing is a force for equity and inclusion rather than a source of further division.

About mmpant

Prof. M.M.Pant has a Ph.D in Computational Physics, along with a Professional Law Degree, and has been a practitioner in the fields of Law, IT enabled education and IT implementation. Drawing upon his experience in world class international institutions and having taught in various modes of Face-to-Face, Distance Learning and Technology Enhanced Training, Prof. Pant is now exploring the nature of institutions which will be successors to the IITs, which represented the 1960s, IIMs, which represented the 1970 and Open Universities which were the rage of 1980s & 90s. He believes that the convergence between various media and technologies would fundamentally alter the way learning would be created, packaged, and delivered to learners. His current activities are all directed toward actual implementation of these new age educational initiatives that transform education in the post Internet post WTO era.. Prof. Pant, has been a Former Pro-Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and has been on the faculty of IIT – Kanpur (the premier Engineering institution in India), MLNR Engineering College and Faculty & Visiting Professor - University of Western Ontario-Canada. He has been visiting scientist to research centers in Italy, England, Germany & Sweden and has delivered international lectures with about 80 papers published. During his association of almost 15 years with the IGNOU, Prof. Pant has served as the Director Computing and has been the Member of All Bodies (i.e. School boards, Academic council, Planning board, Finance committee and the Board of management). With his interest in Law, backed with practice of Law in a High Court, and his basic training in Science and IT, Prof. Pant has been particularly interested in the Cyber Law, Patent & trade mark issues, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues etc. and has been involved with many activities, conferences on “Law & IT” Prof. Pant is presently; • Advisor to Media Lab Asia - Chairman of working group on ICT for Education, chairman of PRSG handling projects on ICT for education. • Lead Consultant for an ADB funded project for ICT in Basic Education in Uzbekistan • Member of the drafting Group for India’s National Policy on ICT in education • Chairman of the group creating books for class 11 and 12 students on ‘Computers and Communication Technology’ appointed by the NCERT • Preparing a ‘Theme Paper” for the NCTE in the area of ICT and Teacher Training • Advisor and mentor to several leading Indian and Multi-national Companies in the area of education. Prof. Pant has in the recent past been ; • Member – Board of Management – I I T, Delhi for 6 years (two consecutive terms) • One-man committee to create the Project Report & Legislation for Delhi IT-enabled Open University • Advisor to the Delhi Government on Asian Network of Major Cities Project (ANMC-21) distance learning project in association with Tokyo Metropolitan Government. • Chairman Board of Studies, All India Management Association With his mission to create and implement new business opportunities in the area of e-learning & learning facilitation, Prof. Pant has promoted Planet EDU Pvt. Ltd., as its Founder & Chairman, along with a team of highly experienced and skilled professionals from Education & Training, Operations, IT and Finance.

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