India’s Quantum Future Takes Shape in Amaravati

India’s journey into the next frontier of technology took a decisive step forward on Saturday as the foundation stone of the Amaravati Quantum Centre was laid, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a strategic springboard for the country’s ambitious National Quantum Mission.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, described the moment as historic, stating that the event marked “not merely the foundation stone of a building, but the foundation stone of India’s quantum future.” He underlined that quantum technology has become a strategic necessity for India’s national security, economic competitiveness, and technological sovereignty.

Amaravati at the Heart of India’s Quantum Vision

Addressing a distinguished gathering in Amaravati, Dr Jitendra Singh said India has no option but to lead in quantum technologies if it aims to secure its defence architecture, communication networks, healthcare systems, and cybersecurity framework in the decades ahead.

The launch of Amaravati Quantum Valley strengthens India’s global quantum ambitions under the ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission, placing the country among an elite group of nations with a dedicated, mission-mode quantum strategy.

High-Level Participation and Strategic Partnerships

The foundation ceremony witnessed the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, State IT and Education Minister Shri Nara Lokesh, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, and senior officials from the Department of Science and Technology.

Leaders from industry and academia, including representatives from IBM Research India, TCS, L&T, IIT Madras, and leading universities, also participated, reflecting a coordinated government–industry–academia approach.

Industry–Academia–Government Collaboration Takes Shape

Several landmark initiatives were unveiled during the event, including the Amaravati Quantum Valley logo, the launch of IBM and TCS Quantum Cloud Services, and the establishment of the IBM–TCS Quantum Innovation Centre.

Key announcements also included the creation of a Quantum Talent Hub, a Quantum Reference Facility by SRM University, quantum-safe application initiatives, and the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding with nine industry partners, marking a comprehensive ecosystem-building effort.

National Quantum Mission: Scale and Ambition

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that India’s National Quantum Mission spans 43 institutions across 17 States and two Union Territories, operating through four thematic hubs covering quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.

The mission aims to develop quantum computers with up to 1,000 physical qubits within eight years and establish secure quantum communication networks across 2,000 kilometres, including inter-city Quantum Key Distribution capabilities.

Transformative Impact on Defence, Cybersecurity and Healthcare

Explaining the strategic relevance of quantum technologies, the Minister said conventional encryption and computing systems would be vulnerable in a future where adversaries possess quantum capabilities. Quantum encryption, by contrast, would make data breaches virtually impossible.

He also outlined transformative healthcare applications, including precision radiation therapies capable of targeting tumours with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, faster recovery times, and adaptive treatment methods.

Andhra Pradesh as a Model of Cooperative Federalism

Dr Jitendra Singh praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s technology-driven governance, describing him as a leader who “lives in tomorrow and dreams of the day after tomorrow.” He said the rapid progress in Andhra Pradesh reflects the strength of Centre–State alignment.

He cited the completion of long-pending scientific projects, such as the National Centre for Ocean Sciences in Visakhapatnam, as evidence of the effectiveness of cooperative federalism and the “double-engine” approach.

Building Talent for India’s Quantum Leap

The Minister informed that India has already introduced B.Tech minors in Quantum Technology and is preparing to expand into M.Tech programmes. Discussions are underway to develop structured quantum education programmes in Andhra Pradesh.

Advanced fabrication facilities and shared research infrastructure will be made accessible to startups, researchers, and academic institutions, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the quantum domain.

From Amaravati to Viksit Bharat

Concluding his address, Dr Jitendra Singh declared that India’s quantum journey begins from Amaravati and that Andhra Pradesh will serve as a launchpad in the country’s march towards Viksit Bharat.

He reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to supporting states that align their innovation ecosystems with national missions.