MNIT Jaipur to get quantum, AI labs as Centre pushes deep-tech talent pipeline: Ashwini Vaishnaw

The Centre has announced the establishment of advanced quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) laboratories at the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, as part of its efforts to strengthen India's capabilities in emerging technologies and semiconductor design.

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said an Advanced Quantum Computing and Quantum Communications Lab will be set up at MNIT Jaipur under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's (MeitY) Electronics and ICT Academic Project.

The proposed facility will focus on developing indigenous capabilities in quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum computing simulation and quantum sensing hardware components.

"While the current technological wave is being driven by AI, the next major technological wave will be led by quantum technology," Vaishnaw said while addressing students and faculty members at the institute.

He said the research work undertaken at the laboratory would be important for the country, particularly in areas such as quantum key distribution, which has significant national security applications. The minister also urged MNIT Jaipur to take a leadership role in post-quantum cryptography research.

Lam Research's "Semiverse" platform for students

In another initiative aimed at strengthening India's semiconductor talent base, Vaishnaw announced that MNIT students will gain access to Lam Research's "Semiverse" platform, a digital twin-based semiconductor fabrication and training ecosystem.

The platform allows students to study semiconductor chip structures in three dimensions, understand manufacturing processes and simulate fabrication steps in a virtual environment.

Highlighting the growing demand for semiconductor professionals, Vaishnaw said industry estimates suggest a requirement for more than one million semiconductor design professionals globally, adding that India is well positioned to bridge the talent gap.

He noted that several global chipmakers, including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, ARM and AMD, are already designing advanced 2-nanometre and 3-nanometre semiconductor chips from their India operations.

As part of the government's Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme, electronic design automation (EDA) tools are being provided to more than 323 universities across the country. These tools are supplied by leading industry players such as Synopsys, Cadence and Renesas.

According to the minister, over 100 student-designed semiconductor chips from Indian institutions have already been fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali using these design tools.

AI Lab at MNIT Jaipur

Vaishnaw also announced the setting up of an AI Lab at MNIT Jaipur. The facility will provide advanced computing infrastructure and research tools, and will be connected to the IndiaAI Mission network to support innovation and applied research.

Referring to ongoing work in the field, the minister highlighted deepfake detection technologies being developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur.

During the visit, Vaishnaw also inaugurated a Makers Lab at MNIT Jaipur. The facility will offer hands-on training opportunities in software and hardware technologies, including sensors, embedded systems, computing devices and electronics systems.