‘Quantum teaching labs’ to be set up in 100 engg colleges; each institute to get Rs 1 crore to design course

Karandikar was speaking at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, where Minister of State Jitendra Singh launched state-of-the-art fabrication and central facilities for quantum technology innovation under the thematic hubs under the Union government’s National Quantum Mission, with total investment outlay of Rs 720 crore.

Under the National Quantum Mission, the Ministry of Science and Technology is working to accelerate research in three areas: quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensors. Largescale research is already underway at IIT Mumbai, IIT Chennai, IIT Delhi, and IISc Bengaluru.

Highlighting that India is on its journey towards becoming a global leader in quantum technology, Singh congratulated for the launch of state-of-the-art fabrication centralized facilities.

As part of the same mission, quantum-teaching labs or quantum-training laboratories will now be established in 100 engineering colleges. Karandikar said, “We have already received close to 500 applications from engineering colleges willing to start such labs. Out of them, 00 capable colleges will be selected and will receive support of Rs 1 crore each. In the next phase, the support may increase, but at this stage we are limiting it to Rs 100 crore.” Karandikar also mentioned that eight startups have already emerged in this field, and efforts are underway to support them.

Further noting that discoveries and innovations in quantum technology will make things easier in management of collateral damages, particularly in the medical field with its sophisticated application, Singh insisted on the importance of interdisciplinary structure of higher education institutions. Thus, noting that innovations in quantum technology should not be in silos, Singh said, “I think gradually that should become a norm, where interdisciplinary structure becomes an essential component and is no longer an option.”