By: Sanjay Pandit, Senior Engineering Director, Unisys India
For the next generation of young technology professionals to be successful, they need to be trained on essential technical skills required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Quantum computing, for example, stands out as one of the most promising fields for future employment prospects. With its unparalleled computational capabilities, it’s demanding the utmost attention. As the global adoption of quantum progresses, India has its eye on the young professionals already in training.
Why quantum skills?
Quantum technologies are poised to revolutionise industries, spur economic growth, and demand a highly skilled workforce. Additionally, quantum applications affect national security and global cooperation, underscoring the need for quantum education investment for effective long-term global leadership. Therefore, empowering the youth with quantum skills is essential for continued innovation, economic competitiveness, and scientific progress. With quantum expertise, young professionals can bridge skill gaps, stimulate entrepreneurship, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
India’s quantum ambitions
India’s tech prowess and abundant talent pool have positioned the region to excel in quantum computing and become a hub for innovation. National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) predicts that quantum technology will hit critical maturity in India by 2026-2027, driving increased enterprise adoption. The collaborations between academia, government, and industries are the key to fostering innovation and nurturing a quantum-ready ecosystem as the nation invests in essential research and development. Currently, there are numerous Indian government initiatives dedicated to training students and researchers in quantum computing, with one notable example being the National Mission for Quantum Frontier.
Acknowledging the gap
Despite the surge in quantum computing investments, there remains a critical shortage of skilled professionals proficient in quantum algorithm development and optimisation. This gap is further exacerbated by the rapid technological advancements in quantum, making it challenging for businesses to find qualified quantum developers, researchers, and even end users.
Large and medium-sized organisations are increasingly investing in quantum technology to tackle complex business challenges. This includes using quantum annealing techniques for tasks like problem formulation, hardware mapping, error correction, scalability, speed, and validation. These advanced techniques necessitate interdisciplinary talent and effective collaboration among computer scientists, physicists, mathematicians, and engineers. This collaborative approach not only enables companies to train STEM professionals from the ground up for the quantum era but also bridges gaps between different fields, encouraging innovation, and leading to groundbreaking solutions for complex problems.
Unlocking new possibilities with the right learning
The development of a quantum-ready workforce equipped with foundational knowledge and transferable skills can be facilitated by academic and skill-based institutions offering specialised educational programs, research opportunities, experiential learning, and continuous education initiatives.
The field represents a promising avenue for employment, poised to potentially revolutionise various industries. As quantum technology advances, professionals skilled in quantum computing will be in high demand and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and driving innovation across industries.
As India actively invests in harnessing the immense potential of quantum technology, the highly skilled quantum-enabled workforce will spearhead innovation, develop quality solutions, and deliver enhanced business outcomes. The quantum era is underway, and those who embrace it early will play a vital role in defining the digital landscape of tomorrow.