Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood delivered inaugural address at the Annual Quantum Conclave under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay on 10 April 2026. Prof. Sood was joined by Member (S&T), NITI Aayog Dr VK Saraswat; Chair, Mission Governing Board, National Quantum Mission (NQM) Dr. Ajai Chowdhry; Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) Prof. Abhay Karandikar; and Director IIT Bombay Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare. In his address, Prof. Sood emphasised the need for concerted efforts in advancing quantum technologies amid the evolving global technological race, noting that their applications will have far-reaching impacts on both strategic and civilian sectors. He appreciated the participation of key stakeholders, including the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), and various defence organizations, in the conclave. Prof. Sood also highlighted that Quantum and AI are among the few technology domains exempt from recent US R&D budget cuts, underscoring their growing strategic importance.