In a landmark step toward bolstering India’s emerging quantum ecosystem, the Union government has announced a ₹100 crore initiative to establish 100 quantum teaching laboratories in educational institutions across the country. The announcement was made by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), during the launch of IIT Bombay’s new quantum research facility, in the presence of Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.

The programme aims to mainstream quantum science education at the undergraduate level by equipping selected engineering and science colleges with hands-on experimental infrastructure. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), India’s flagship effort to accelerate research and innovation in quantum technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing.

Building the Foundation: 500+ Proposals, 100 Labs, Massive Demand

Karandikar noted that the DST received more than 500 proposals, demonstrating extraordinary demand from institutions wishing to build quantum capability. Approximately 100 institutions will be selected, each receiving around ₹1 crore to establish their laboratory.

The labs will support:

• Undergraduate minor programmes in quantum technologies
• Modelling, simulation, and visualization of quantum systems
• Hands-on experimentation with qubits, photon sources, cold-atom systems, and quantum materials
• Early-stage experiential learning essential for building advanced quantum R&D capacity

Strengthening the National Quantum Infrastructure

Alongside the teaching labs, the government also announced four major quantum fabrication and central facilities, with a combined investment exceeding ₹700 crore. These include advanced chip and device fabrication labs at IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, IIT Delhi, and IIT Kanpur.

These facilities will serve:

• Researchers in the National Quantum Mission
• Start-ups developing quantum hardware and algorithms
• Industry partners exploring quantum-enabled devices
• Students and faculty needing access to advanced cryogenics, nano-fabrication, and quantum-material characterization tools

The launch of IIT Bombay’s Liquid Helium Laboratory, crucial for super-cooled quantum experiments, marks another milestone in building indigenous infrastructure.

Implications of Indian investment in Quantum Infrastructure

1. Rapid Expansion of Quantum Education and Talent Pipeline

The teaching labs will create immediate opportunities for students across India to gain exposure to quantum mechanics beyond the theoretical level. Universities that previously lacked experimental quantum capabilities will now be able to integrate modern, application-oriented coursework.
This will help:

• Increase the number of students pursuing quantum research
• Reduce dependency on foreign institutions for quantum education
• Prepare graduates for R&D roles in quantum computing, cybersecurity, sensing, and more

2. Boost for Startups and Early-Stage Innovation

Access to national-level fabrication and testing facilities will lower the barrier to entry for deep-tech quantum startups. Instead of relying on expensive global infrastructure, Indian startups can prototype and test devices domestically.
This will accelerate innovation in:

• Quantum cryptography devices
• Quantum sensors for healthcare, defence, and geophysical applications
• Photonic quantum computing subsystems
• Quantum materials and components

3. Improved Research Quality and International Collaborations

The labs will enable cutting-edge research in universities that previously did not have access to cryogenic, photonic, or advanced materials infrastructure. This will improve publication quality, attract global collaboration, and enhance India’s presence at major scientific conferences.

4. Academic Upskilling and Faculty Development

DST’s planned faculty-training programs will help instructors adopt modern pedagogical approaches and keep pace with rapid scientific developments. This is essential for maintaining teaching quality across the newly established labs.

5. Quantum Workforce Leadership in the Global South

By equipping hundreds of institutions with early-stage quantum labs, India is positioning itself to become the largest producer of quantum-ready graduates outside the US, EU, and China. Within the next decade, this could make India a preferred hub for quantum R&D outsourcing and collaboration.

6. Indigenous Quantum Hardware Ecosystem

Investments in fabrication and cryogenic facilities could enable India to develop:

• Indigenous superconducting qubits
• Photonic quantum chips
• Ultra-sensitive quantum sensors
• Secure quantum communication devices
  This would reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and place India among the small number of nations capable of producing quantum hardware end-to-end.

7. Expansion of Quantum Communication and National Security Capabilities

India is already developing quantum communication technologies for secure data transmission. With trained talent and indigenous hardware, India could significantly strengthen:

• Quantum-secure government communication networks
• Defence applications including navigation, radar, and secure communication
• Utilities, banking, and telecom sectors transitioning to quantum-safe encryption

8. Quantum-Driven Industrial Transformation

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials engineering, logistics optimization, financial modelling, and energy systems will eventually benefit from India’s quantum innovation pipeline. As global companies seek quantum talent, India could become a major centre for quantum applications research.

9. Influence on Global Standards and Policies

With a growing ecosystem, India will have greater influence in shaping global norms on:

• Quantum encryption standards
• Ethical governance of quantum AI and simulations
• Quantum technology regulation and export controls
• Open quantum software and interoperability standards

This positions India not just as an adopter, but as a shaper of the global quantum landscape.

Concluding Outlook

The government’s decision to invest in 100 quantum teaching labs and major fabrication centres is not merely an educational reform; it represents a long-term national strategy to strengthen India’s scientific sovereignty, deepen technological capabilities, and position the country as a global leader in quantum innovation.
With coordinated efforts between academia, industry, and government, India is poised to play a transformative role in the global quantum future.