In the month of June 2025, The Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands released a joint report titled “Unveiling the Indo-Dutch Quantum Frontier - In Search of Opportunities to Integrate Ecosystems.” The launch occurred at the Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi, attended by stakeholders from both nations, both in person and online.
The report, unveiled by Huib Mijnarends, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, and Dr. Sunita Verma, Scientist G at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), alongside Dr. Dhoya Snijders, Innovation Counsellor at the Netherlands Embassy, and Ms. Reena Dayal, Founder and CEO of QETCI, outlines opportunities for collaboration in quantum science and technology (QST). QST is expected to impact computing, cybersecurity, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The report identifies five strategic interventions: bilateral collaboration in quantum information security, sector-specific partnerships, dedicated innovation hubs, testing and certification frameworks, and inter-governmental coordination.
The Netherlands, with over €615 million in funding, leads in quantum hardware, photonics, and networking, driven by Quantum Delta NL and its five innovation hubs in Delft, Eindhoven, Leiden, Twente, and Amsterdam. It participates in European initiatives like Quantum Flagship, QuantERA, and the European Quantum Industry Consortium. India’s National Quantum Mission, backed by ₹6,000 crore, focuses on quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials, with over 45 quantum startups by 2025. Both nations face challenges India in hardware and fabrication, the Netherlands in talent and commercialization that a partnership could address.
Quantum Information Security: The report proposes joint development of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum network components, leveraging India’s software expertise and Dutch strengths in cryptographic protocols and photonics. Initiatives include supporting Dutch SMEs with Indian IT integration, developing PQC standards, and piloting a bilateral quantum communication network.
Sector-Specific Collaboration: The report targets telecommunications (quantum encryption for 5G/6G), banking and finance (quantum-enhanced fraud detection), manufacturing (quantum sensing and optimization), aerospace (quantum satellite payloads and navigation), and healthcare (quantum diagnostics and drug discovery).
Dedicated Innovation Hubs: It recommends establishing bilateral quantum innovation hubs to support research, startup incubation, and policy coordination through public-private partnerships, connecting testbeds and cloud platforms.
Testing and Certification: Joint testing labs and mutual recognition frameworks are proposed to validate QST components, aligning with international standards like ISO and IEEE to accelerate commercialization.
Inter-Governmental Coordination: The report suggests a “quantum research corridor” to streamline customs, procurement, and IP protection, alongside regulatory alignment through bilateral dialogues and global standard-setting bodies like ITU and ISO/IEC. It also emphasizes talent mobility, joint funding, and innovation missions.
The report notes limited prior connectivity between the two nations’ quantum ecosystems but highlights increased engagement through stakeholder visits and roundtables. It stresses the need for structured mechanisms to sustain collaboration, supported by principles of openness, transparency, and equitable IP protection.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat is the Chairman of its Governing Board on since August 1, 2023. QETCI works closely with T-Hub in Hyderabad to support quantum startups with mentorship and market access.
