India's first commercial quantum computer comes at IIIT-Dharwad in Karnataka

Karnataka has made a move in the area of quantum technology by declaring that it will be installing the first commercial quantum computer in India at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad (IIIT, Dharwad).

Priyank Kharge, the minister, shared on Thursday that this effort is a way of putting the state ahead on the national map of leading quantum technologies.

The announcement was made following separate meetings between the minister and leaders of Bengaluru-based deeptech company QpiAI and Singapore's water technology firm ZWEEC.

Both meetings centred around new technology and infrastructure solutions, an official press release stated.

ADVANCING QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY IN KARNATAKA

The minister said, "Karnataka is making a decisive move in the quantum field. The establishment of the first commercial quantum computer in India at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad is a major step in creating a world, class quantum ecosystem."

During discussions with QpiAI, Priyank Kharge reviewed plans for the deployment of the country's first indigenously built commercial quantum computer at IIIT-Dharwad.

The state has also announced the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Quantum AI and Computing at the same institution.

QpiAI presented its strategy to enhance its quantum systems by scaling up from 25 qubits to a 1,000-qubit quantum computer over the next two to three years. This plan was outlined during the meetings with state officials.

As per the press release, these talks were part of Karnataka's efforts to deepen its partnerships in cutting, edge technology and help local innovation hubs.

INNOVATIVE WATER SAFETY SOLUTIONS FOR RURAL AREAS

In a different meeting, ZWEEC's team demonstrated their biomonitoring tech that can detect contamination in drinking water and also signal algal blooms at a very early stage.

The product is being discussed as a potential solution to make water safety monitoring in the state's rural areas more effective.

Minister Priyank Kharge had said, "Priyank mentioned that the government would look at the possibility of piloting the technology in partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department."

There's currently a discussion about the government's willingness to pilot ZWEEC's technology so that it can be evaluated if it can be implemented in collaboration with rural water authorities.

COLLABORATIONS TO DRIVE TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND INNOVATION

The undercover with QpiAI and brain ZWEEC demonstrate Karnataka's will on constantly partnering with tech companies for research and state level viable solutions.

During the exchanges, officials highlighted the fact that these projects are consistent with the state policy of leveraging advanced technology to not only address current issues but also prepare the workforce in the future industries.