Govt to Support 100 Engineering Colleges in Quantum Research
Mumbai, November 24, 2025 – The Indian government is set to bolster quantum research by providing financial support to 100 engineering colleges. Each institution will receive ₹1 crore to establish laboratories aimed at teaching undergraduate minor programs in quantum science and technology. This initiative was announced by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), during an event at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay).
Details of the Initiative
Prof. Karandikar highlighted that the DST has already received over 500 proposals from various engineering colleges across the country. From these, approximately 100 institutions will be selected to receive funding for their quantum research laboratories. The initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in quantum science and foster a new generation of skilled professionals in this cutting-edge field.
Supporting Start-ups and Research Development
In addition to the establishment of teaching labs, the DST is planning to create a quantum algorithms technical group. This group will focus on capacity building to support start-ups and facilitate the development of research and technology in quantum computing. Prof. Karandikar emphasized the importance of these efforts in advancing India’s capabilities in the global quantum landscape.
Progress Under National Missions
The announcement comes as part of the broader objectives under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems and the National Quantum Mission (NQM). Prof. Karandikar noted the significant progress made by IIT Bombay, which has emerged as a leader in these initiatives. The Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Bombay has made remarkable strides in supporting start-ups, developing new technologies, and launching projects such as Indian-language large language models.
New Facilities for Quantum Fabrication
Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, also announced the establishment of two state-of-the-art Quantum Fabrication and Central Facilities under the NQM during his visit to IIT Bombay. These facilities, with a total investment of ₹720 crore, will be located at IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. They aim to indigenize the fabrication of quantum computing chips and quantum sensors, significantly accelerating their development in India.
Importance of Local Facilities
Historically, India has relied on foreign facilities for the fabrication of quantum devices, which has posed challenges in keeping pace with technological advancements. The new facilities will be accessible to academia, science and technology institutions, industry, start-ups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This accessibility is expected to fast-track the fabrication process and support technology development, prototyping, and small-scale production, particularly in start-ups and MSMEs.
Boosting Cryogenic Engineering and Quantum Technologies
Dr. Singh emphasized that the new facilities would significantly enhance India’s capabilities in several areas, including:
- Cryogenic engineering
- Superconductivity
- Quantum computing
- Quantum sensing
- Photonics
- Healthcare technologies
- Green energy devices
He also pointed out the critical role of liquid helium in various applications, including MRI systems and advanced materials characterization. The new facility, equipped with an efficient helium recovery system, is expected to reduce the cost of cryogenic experiments significantly while conserving one of the world’s rarest resources.
Strengthening India’s Position in Quantum Science
As the global demand for quantum computers continues to rise, Dr. Singh stated that it is imperative for India to strengthen its cryogenics infrastructure. The advancements in quantum labs and the establishment of new cryogenics facilities reflect India’s growing leadership in next-generation science and technology.
He concluded by highlighting how the collaboration between academia, government, and industry at IIT Bombay serves as a model for building a world-class scientific ecosystem capable of shaping future technologies.
Note: This article is based on information provided by PTI and reflects the government’s commitment to advancing quantum research and technology in India.
