A.P. CM unveils plan to position Amaravati as quantum hardware hub

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday (March 31) unveiled an ambitious vision to position Amaravati as a global hub for quantum computing and hardware manufacturing, stating that the upcoming “Quantum Valley” in the capital will set a new direction for India’s technological future.

Speaking at a high-level roundtable on the quantum hardware manufacturing ecosystem held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister said Amaravati is among the first regions in the country to align with the goals of the National Quantum Mission. He expressed confidence that the initiative would serve as a catalyst for technological advancement and innovation.

The meeting was attended by leading experts and representatives from premier institutions and organisations, including IBM, C-DAC, C-DOT, DRDO, BARC and the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory. Participants from quantum startups, cryogenics, photonics and power electronics sectors also took part in the discussions, alongside academicians from IIT Tirupati and IIT Madras.

Asking the stakeholders to work towards establishing domestic manufacturing capabilities for quantum computing hardware within the next two years, he emphasised that the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) should not only focus on hardware production but also on algorithm development and innovation, aiming to reduce reliance on imports.

A key outcome of the meeting was the consensus to develop Andhra Pradesh into one of the world’s top five global quantum hubs by 2030. Plans include creating robust infrastructure, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem and promoting research and innovation through startups and collaborations, including the establishment of a biofoundry.

Highlighting the concept of “Made in Amaravati” quantum hardware, Mr. Naidu called for large-scale efforts to design and manufacture quantum devices locally. He noted that Andhra Pradesh is already ahead in the race, being the first State in India to introduce a dedicated quantum computing policy.

Mr. Naidu also outlined the broader applications of emerging technologies, including real-time data-driven governance and AI-powered services such as AI doctors, tutors and agronomists, aimed at improving citizen services.

First open quantum computer from April 14

In a major development, representatives from Qubit Force and SRM University informed the Chief Minister that India’s first open-access quantum computer will be launched in Amaravati on April 14. The facility will be accessible to students and researchers for testing and experimentation.

Officials from C-DAC highlighted the need for testbeds and certification systems to strengthen the quantum ecosystem. Several companies also expressed readiness to introduce advanced applications such as quantum simulators, biosensors, mineral sensors and laser technologies in the Amaravati Quantum Valley.

According to National Quantum Mission Director J.B.V. Reddy, Andhra Pradesh is currently leading the country in adopting quantum technologies. Over 30 quantum hardware companies participated in the roundtable, with the State government already signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 15 firms. Seven companies have begun operations at Medha Towers in Vijayawada.

Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Quantum Mission Apex Committee and Director of IIT Madras, V. Kamakoti, who joined the meeting virtually, highlighted the strong operational synergy between industry leaders like IBM and TCS in the Amaravati Quantum Mission. 

State Quantum Mission Director C.V. Sridhar; Director of IIT-Tirupati and Chairperson of the Amaravati Quantum Mission Expert Committee K. Satyanarayana; Maghesh Yathirajan, representative of C-DAC; Rajkumar Upadhyay from C-DOT; Venkata Subrahmanyam representing Qubit Force; and Satish from SRM University were among the other participants.

Senior officials from the State Industries and Commerce Department, including Secretary Yuvraj, as well as officials from the IT and other departments, were also present at the meeting.