Deep Tech Fillip: N. Chandrababu Naidu to launch India's first quantum test beds in Andhra Pradesh today

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch India's first indigenous advanced quantum computing testbeds today in Amravati. With the launch, Andhra Pradesh will have a dedicated ecosystem for testing and certifying quantum technologies domestically, thereby creating history. 

The mega leap by the state coincides with World Quantum day. The move assumes a lot of significance in Andhra Pradesh's ambitious plans to transform Amaravati into a global "Quantum Valley". 

"It is a dream come true for people of Andhra Pradesh. For the first time in the country indigenous Quantum Computing testing facility is going to be launched," said P S Pradyumna, Secretary to the Chief Minister. 

Naidu will inaugurate the 1S and 1Q quantum testbeds at SRM University, Andhra Pradesh with a simultaneous virtual launch at Medha Towers in Gannavaram, near Vijayawada. 

What is the end use of the facility?

With a quantum rest bed in India, startups needing to test their products will be able to do so domestically. C V Sridhar, CEO, Quantum Valley told Fortune India that the focus is on creating a complete ecosystem for testing the quantum technologies and superconducting technologies. "That is our mission, with which we are building the Quantum Valley," Sridhar said. 

The facility establishes India's sovereign quantum infrastructure under the National Quantum Mission, enabling the country to design, test, certify, and manufacture quantum systems globally. 

The units will provide a vital platform for researchers, startups, and students to test quantum components domestically. "The quantum testbeds Will phenomenally reduce the time taken for deep tech innovation and research," said L Venkata Subramaniam, CEO, QBIT Force, which built the platform. 

The company says it's mission is to develop the nation’s first indigenous quantum computer with an open-access hardware platform. 

It says the platforms will enable barrier-free innovation in both research and development and the commercialization of India’s own quantum technologies. The company  assembles superconducting-qubit based quantum computing platforms along with associated cryogenic interconnects, control electronics integration, and system-level setups that include the development of modular electronic control systems, and quantum software components.

On being asked how this technology will be scaled up, Subramaniam said the more testing happens, the more will it scale up. "What used to take months abroad, will now be done in a few days in India itself," he added.