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IBM Powers India's Future with Quantum Computing in Amaravati
22 Feb
Summary
- India's first commercial quantum computer will be set up in Amaravati.
- The facility will feature IBM's Quantum System Two with advanced processors.
- Quantum computers require extreme cooling near absolute zero for operation.
Amaravati, India's developing capital, is poised to become home to a significant scientific infrastructure: a full-scale quantum computing facility by IBM. Plans indicate the establishment of India's first large, commercial-grade quantum computer at the Quantum Valley Tech Park. This IBM Quantum System Two will utilize advanced quantum processors, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) contributing to algorithm development for Indian industry and academia.
Quantum computers operate fundamentally differently from classical machines, using qubits that leverage superposition and entanglement. This allows for solving complex problems intractable for even supercomputers, such as simulating molecular interactions for drug discovery and materials science. These groundbreaking capabilities are crucial for advancements in medicine, energy, and logistics.
The initiative is a key part of India's National Quantum Mission, approved in April 2023 with an outlay of Rs 6,003 crore over eight years. The mission aims to boost research across quantum computing, communications, sensing, and materials. The Amaravati facility is envisioned as a vital complement, translating scientific investment into practical applications and strategic national capability.
Quantum computing demands extreme conditions, with processors operating near absolute zero temperatures within dilution refrigerators. This necessity ensures the superconductivity of qubits, preventing noise that disrupts their sensitive quantum states. IBM's global quantum computing fleet is accessible via the cloud, but a physical presence in India offers strategic value for intellectual property and ecosystem development.
This facility aligns with IBM's global roadmap, projecting interconnected quantum systems with over 100,000 qubits by approximately 2033. The transformative power of quantum computing also necessitates a shift to post-quantum cryptography to safeguard current digital security infrastructure against future quantum attacks. India is beginning to formulate policies for this migration, emphasizing the need for accelerated execution.
