Q-Shield, was unveiled by QNu Labs, a startup selected by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as part of the National Quantum Mission

Q-Shield empowers organizations to safeguard their essential infrastructure. It facilitates efficient management of cryptography across various environments, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid setups. Cryptography involves encoding information to ensure that only the intended recipient can access it.

QShield offers a comprehensive solution for protecting sensitive data both during transmission and while stored. Its significance lies in QNu Labs' role in transforming cybersecurity with quantum-safe solutions, thereby establishing India as a frontrunner in quantum cryptography. The introduction of this platform marks a significant advancement in India's journey towards global leadership in quantum technology.

Critical infrastructure encompasses the systems, facilities, and assets crucial for societal and economic functioning. These infrastructures are deemed essential, as their disruption could adversely affect public safety, security, health, or economic stability. Critical infrastructure comprises both physical and virtual elements that are interconnected and interdependent, with most nations and governing bodies enforcing regulations on their management.

Quantum mechanics is the foundational study of the physical theory that examines the behavior of matter and light at atomic and sub-atomic levels. This field emerged in the early 20th century, thanks to the contributions of scientists like Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Erwin Schrodinger, and has been instrumental in numerous technological breakthroughs.

The National Quantum Mission, approved by the government for the period from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aims to foster scientific and industrial research and development, creating a dynamic and innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). This initiative is expected to drive economic growth led by QT, support the development of the ecosystem within the country, and position India as a leading nation in Quantum Technologies and Applications (QTA).

Developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50–1000 physical qubits in 8 years using a variety of platforms, such as superconducting and photonic technology, is one of the mission's goals.
Significance: NQM could raise the nation's ecosystem for technology development to a level where it can compete globally.With applications in drug design, space, banking, security, and other areas, the mission would have a significant positive impact on a number of industries, including communication, health, and finance. Additionally, the Mission will significantly advance national priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, and Self-reliant India.