With the goal of making the state the “Quantum Capital of Asia” and establishing a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035, the Karnataka government has started the INR 1,000 Cr Quantum Mission.
According to the ET, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that a Quantum Technology Task Force will direct policy and that Q-City, manufacturing zones, and quantum parks will encourage creativity in the state. He was speaking at the Bengaluru 2025 conference of Quantum India on 31 July.
Commenting on the development, Bruce Keith, Cofounder, InvestorAi stated, “As one of the few foundational AI companies in India, we welcome Q-City and the other Karnataka initiatives. We have found the AI talent pool at the foundational end to be quite shallow so the PhD fellowship and college skilling programmes are very welcome. I believe that the transition from IT Services to specialised product niches is key to ensuring India’s success in this rapidly changing AI era.”
Quantum Skilling and Job Creation in Karnataka
The chief minister went on to say that the state wants to make Karnataka the Quantum Capital of Asia by 2035 and create 10,000 high-skilled jobs. In addition, the government intends to establish 150 PhD scholarships and quantum skilling programs in 20 colleges throughout the state.
India’s First Quantum Hardware Park
In order to increase domestic production of quantum components, Karnataka will construct India’s first Quantum Hardware Park, four innovation zones, and a specialised fabrication facility, Siddaramaiah added.
In order to create two lakh jobs in the industry, the state would also set aside a Quantum Venture Capital Fund to invest in over 100 firms and assist in the creation of 100 patents.
The decision was made at a time when the quantum technology industry is receiving more attention, with companies speeding up their products and looking to raise money to secure their place in the global market.
How Karnataka’s Mission Aligns with India’s NQM?
In 2023, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the union cabinet, with a total expenditure of INR 6,003.65 Cr from FY24 to FY31. Under the Department of Science and Technology, the mission seeks to establish a dynamic and creative ecosystem in QT by establishing, fostering, and expanding scientific and industrial R&D.
In August of last year, the NQM made public its intention to award funds to ten to fifteen businesses engaged in quantum technology.
The development of very sensitive magnetometers in atomic systems and atomic clocks for accurate time, communications, and navigation will be the main goals of the National Quantum Mission.
How NQM will help in Creating Quantum Devices?
For the creation of quantum devices, NQM will also aid in the design and synthesis of quantum materials, including superconductors, innovative semiconductor architectures, and topological materials. Quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications will also see the development of single-photon sources/detectors and entangled-photon sources.
The nation’s technology development ecosystem might become globally competitive with the help of NQM. With applications in medication design, space, banking, security, and other areas, the mission would have a significant positive impact on a number of industries, including communication, health, and finance.
Additionally, the Mission will significantly advance national initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, and Self-reliant India.
Recent Quantum Startups Backed by NQM
In April of this year, QNu Labs, a quantum cybersecurity business, obtained INR 60 Cr in Series A funding backed by the NQM. Only a few weeks ago, the deeptech startup QpiAI earned $32 million in its Series A fundraising round, which was co-led by Avataar Ventures and NQM.
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