India’s scientific community has scored a global first. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have successfully developed a 6-qubit photonic quantum system—a milestone that positions India among the handful of countries capable of building advanced quantum computers using light-based particles.

The breakthrough marks the first-ever creation of a six-qubit entangled GHZ (Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger) state generated through deterministic gate operations, without relying on probabilistic processes, and using only photons.

This achievement not only showcases India’s scientific prowess but also signals its entry into the next era of quantum innovation.

Decoding the Quantum Milestone

Traditional computers speak the language of bits—tiny switches that exist in just one of two states: 0 or 1. 

Quantum computers, on the other hand, use qubits, which can exist as 0, 1, or both at the same time thanks to a principle called superposition. This gives them an extraordinary advantage: they can perform countless calculations simultaneously, potentially solving problems that would take classical computers years.

To harness this power, qubits must also be entangled—a state where particles become deeply linked, influencing one another instantaneously, even across distances. IISc’s team managed to create and control six such entangled qubits using photons, particles of light known for their stability and speed.

What makes this result groundbreaking is its deterministic approach—producing entangled states in a predictable, repeatable manner rather than by chance. Such precision brings the scientific world one step closer to realizing practical, scalable quantum processors capable of solving problems far beyond the reach of today’s machines.

Why This Matters Globally

Until now, most photonic quantum systems across the world relied on probabilistic methods, which often limited their scalability. IISc’s deterministic model changes that equation. It proves that quantum computers using photons can be both reliable and expandable, paving the way for ultra-secure communications, advanced simulations, and quantum networks of the future.

This places India in the company of technological leaders like the United States, China, and the European Union, all racing to master quantum supremacy.

India’s Quantum Push

This achievement comes under the broader vision of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a ₹6,000 crore initiative launched by the Indian government to build indigenous quantum technologies across computing and communication by 2031.

Institutes such as IISc, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, and TIFR are key drivers of this mission, collaborating to develop India’s homegrown quantum infrastructure. IISc’s photonic milestone is one of the first tangible signs that India’s quantum roadmap is taking shape and faster than many expected.

A Bright Future with Light-Based Computing

While a six-qubit system may sound modest compared to some global prototypes, the real triumph lies in how it was achieved. The ability to entangle multiple photons deterministically opens up vast possibilities—from high-speed quantum communication to tamper-proof encryption networks.

As India moves steadily toward a quantum-powered future, IISc’s innovation stands as a beacon—proof that the nation is not just catching up but contributing original breakthroughs to the frontier of science.

In a field where even one stable qubit is a victory, IISc’s six shine bright, lighting the way for India’s next great scientific revolution.