Yogi Adityanath seeks IBM, IIT Kanpur tie-up for Quantum Computing in UP
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a significant initiative aimed at advancing Quantum Computing in the state. During the inauguration of the IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow, he proposed a collaboration involving the state government, IBM, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Deep Tech in India.
The Vision for Quantum Computing
At the launch event, Adityanath emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s historical and institutional strengths in the field of Quantum Computing. He stated, “I believe that Uttar Pradesh’s claim for Quantum Computing is strong, and it is strong because IBM had contributed in getting the country’s first computer installed in IIT Kanpur, and today we are moving ahead in that direction.” This historical context underscores the state’s commitment to becoming a leader in advanced technologies.
Uttar Pradesh’s Growing Innovation Ecosystem
Adityanath highlighted the burgeoning innovation ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, noting that nearly 70 Centres of Excellence are currently operational across various sectors. He remarked, “Currently, almost 70 Centers of Excellence in different fields are working in Uttar Pradesh; their progress is very good, and they are doing very good work in Lucknow.” This ecosystem is crucial for fostering research and development in cutting-edge technologies.
Collaboration with IIT Kanpur
The Chief Minister mentioned that IIT Kanpur is prepared to collaborate in establishing a dedicated facility for Quantum Computing in Noida. He stated, “I believe that IIT Kanpur is ready to collaborate in the Noida campus to provide a building for IBM for Quantum Computing.” This collaboration is seen as a pivotal step in advancing the state’s technological capabilities.
Initiatives in Quantum Computing
Adityanath expressed his determination to spearhead the initiative of Quantum Computing from Uttar Pradesh. He stated, “We will take forward the initiative of Quantum Computing, starting from Uttar Pradesh, and we will be able to take a new initiative in taking forward the vision of the Prime Minister for Deep Tech.” This commitment reflects the state’s ambition to be at the forefront of technological advancements.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Governance
In addition to Quantum Computing, Adityanath addressed the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance and social welfare. He shared an example of how AI has been utilized to improve educational access for girls in rural areas. “We have seen how AI can bring change in the life of a person sitting on the last rung… when data was collected and analyzed through AI tools, it was found that the reason for the dropout rate was the lack of toilets for girls,” he explained. This insight led to initiatives that provided essential facilities in schools, demonstrating the practical benefits of technology in governance.
IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre
The inauguration of the IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow marks a significant milestone for the state. Adityanath noted that India has reached “acclaimed heights” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the importance of such technological advancements for the nation. The centre aims to leverage AI to enhance governance and improve public service delivery.
Future Prospects and Developments
Earlier in April 2025, IBM announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art Software Lab in Lucknow, focusing on advancing Generative AI and Agentic AI technologies. This lab is expected to play a crucial role in developing AI-powered solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses both in India and globally. It will integrate global best practices in software engineering, design, and development to create transformative solutions.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Yogi Adityanath, IBM, and IIT Kanpur represents a significant step towards positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in Quantum Computing and AI technologies. The state’s commitment to fostering an innovation ecosystem and leveraging advanced technologies for governance and social welfare is commendable. As these initiatives unfold, they hold the potential to transform not only the technological landscape of Uttar Pradesh but also contribute to India’s broader ambitions in the field of Deep Tech.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 2026 and aims to provide an overview of the developments related to Quantum Computing in Uttar Pradesh.
