Maharashtra Chief Minister announces a state-led push to become a quantum technology hub by building a robust ecosystem and training more than 5,000 professionals, in line with the National Quantum Mission.

The initiative aims to consolidate scattered efforts under a common institutional framework to accelerate research, innovation, and manufacturing in frontier technologies.

He notes the global quantum and deep tech market—valued at trillions of dollars and growing into the near future—as a major driver for rapid tech transformation and India’s need to adapt quickly.

Experts from academia, industry, and defence discussed opportunities across research, manufacturing, industrial applications, and skill development during the event.

Institutions like IISER, C-DAC, TIFR, IIT Bombay, COEP, and VNIT will contribute by building capabilities in quantum tech and aligning with the mission.

MSMEs will be prepared to adopt advanced technologies through accessible smart platforms, common facilities, and a trained workforce, addressing funding, capability, and manpower gaps.

The state emphasizes preparing MSMEs for tech adoption by closing gaps in funding, capabilities, and skilled manpower and providing shared facilities and training.

Next steps include integrating quantum education into NEP-aligned credit-based courses, expanding quantum labs, and securing funding assurances from the state.

India’s current UN Frontier Technology Index ranking spots at 36nd, yet the CM argues India performs above expectations and should actively participate in the tech revolution.

The plan envisions expanding quantum programs, launching an undergraduate minor in quantum technology in 2026-27, an MTech in 2027-28, and giving students access to IBM quantum computers online.

Efforts will leverage India’s engineering college network and streamline procurement rules to speed up quantum education, including reuse of national institution rates to expedite purchases.

The plan emphasizes integrating quantum education into colleges, expanding undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and introducing new quantum courses with online access to IBM quantum resources.