Expert bats for innovation push at Patiala event

Physicist Anupam Garg said while India was making rapid advances in science and technology, the next big leap will come only when the country strengthens innovation at the school and foundational levels.

Garg, a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University, Illinois,

was in the city after attending a five-day workshop on Quantum Foundations, Technology and Applications at IISER Mohali.

The 69-year-old physicist emphasised that India’s growing scientific ecosystem is producing steadily better talent. Further, the growth was no longer being powered by just a few high-visibility institutions such as the IITs, IISc, and TIFR, but is emerging from a broader base of universities and colleges.

Garg also addressed concerns regarding the impact of rapidly evolving quantum technologies on the global banking and financial sectors. “There is no imminent danger to banking or financial institutions from the developments in quantum computing so far,” he said, explaining that more advances were happening in quantum communications.

“Quantum communication is a highly secure form of communication. Unlike classical systems, any attempt to intercept a quantum state disturbs it, immediately signalling the presence of an eavesdropper,” he said, adding that sectors such as finance and defence are naturally the most interested in using such channels.

‘Strengthen science

labs at schools’

Despite the progress, Garg said much more needs to be done, adding, “We need to strengthen foundational learning. Our school science laboratories need upgradation, he said, adding that empowering local entrepreneurs to manufacture scientific equipment could reduce dependence on imports.”