Amaravati, October 6 (APAC Media): Andhra Pradesh is stepping up its push to establish Amaravati as a major global hub for quantum computing and deep-tech innovation, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announcing that India’s first quantum computer is expected to become operational in the city in early 2027.
The announcement was made recently where the state also signed a long-term partnership with PanIIT to promote deep-tech research, startups, skill development and industry-academia collaboration.
The quantum computing project is being developed with technology and infrastructure support from IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
IBM and TCS had earlier announced plans for an IBM Quantum System Two installation with a 156-qubit processor at Amaravati’s Quantum Valley Tech Park.
Amaravati Targets Quantum Technology Leadership
Naidu said Amaravati is being developed as India’s “Quantum Valley”, with the state aiming to move beyond being a consumer of advanced technology towards developing and eventually exporting quantum computing systems.
The Quantum Valley initiative is designed to bring together industry, academia, startups and government to accelerate quantum research, applications and commercialisation.
Quantum computing has potential applications across areas including artificial intelligence, drug discovery, cybersecurity, financial modelling, materials science, energy optimisation and advanced manufacturing.
The project is aligned with India’s National Quantum Mission, which aims to build domestic capabilities in quantum computing, communication, sensing and related technologies.
PanIIT Partnership to Build Deep-Tech Ecosystem
The Andhra Pradesh Government and PanIIT have signed a formal declaration for long-term collaboration in deep-tech innovation.
A PanIIT Amaravati World Council is proposed as part of the partnership. The council will support policy recommendations, research collaboration, technology development and connections between academic institutions, industry and startups.
The partnership will focus on:
- Deep-tech innovation and research
- Startup development
- Skill and talent development
- Industry-academia collaboration
- Technology networking
- Global partnerships
Rs 500 Crore Venture Fund for Deep-Tech Startups
A Rs 500 crore PanIIT Amaravati Venture Fund has also been proposed to support startups working in advanced technologies.
The fund is expected to focus on areas including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, blockchain and other deep-tech technologies.
The initiative aims to attract investment, support technology-led entrepreneurship and help emerging companies scale from Andhra Pradesh to global markets.
Quantum Labs, IIT Mentors to Support Innovation
The state is also planning to strengthen its wider innovation ecosystem through industry-supported university chairs, a global network of IIT mentors and mini quantum test laboratories.
The Q-Shiva systems highlighted by the state are intended to provide quantum hardware testing and experimentation capabilities ahead of the larger IBM quantum installation.
The broader Quantum Valley ecosystem is expected to include research facilities, collaborative spaces for academia and industry, startup incubation and infrastructure for quantum technology development.
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