‘India can become a true leader in quantum computing'

Time of India

15 hours ago

How are you looking at India's quantum computing potential, especially the Amravati quantum valley?
Quantum, as a technology, has been around for a long time. We are now at a point where it will become the mainstream technology in the next few years, because it enables us to address problems which traditional computing cannot do.
If we can build the right ecosystem, with govt, academics, and industry working together, I think India can really unleash the power of quantum computing in a way that no one else has done. I think India has the potential of truly becoming a leader in quantum around the world. When it comes to Amaravati, this will be the first quantum computer in South Asia. The 156 Qbit IBM quantum computer two will enable the creation of an ecosystem around it to scale up the operations.
Given the scale and size of the operations a quantum computer can do, there are fears that it will take away a lot of jobs...
Whenever a technology, evolution, or progress has happened in the world, it has always changed the nature of work that humans do. If you don't embrace the change, you will become obsolete because technological progress is a continuous process. And these days it is happening at a much more exponential speed and scale than it has happened before.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says
CNA
Read More
Undo
In case of quantum computing also, we have to think how it is enabling us to solve problems for humanity, for industry, for businesses, because technology by itself is worthless unless it solves human problems.
This may take away 100 jobs, but it will actually enable us to do things which may end up creating a thousand jobs.
Can you give some examples where immediate solutions can be found with quantum computing?
Drug discovery can be one.
We have many Indian firms in biotech and pharmaceuticals. If you improve the drug discovery process and make it faster, it will enable these companies to be more competitive on the global stage. Quantum computing is also used to drive engineering simulations. As India becomes more of a manufacturing hub, there are engineering problems and simulations that it can do at large scale and improve capabilities.
There are also fears that all existing systems will become redundant once quantum computing comes into existence...
Cyber crime has become a big threat now, with cyber crooks becoming smarter in terms of how to hack systems. So, quantum cryptography can be a real use case in today's scenario not only for India, but across the world. In long term, quantum cryptography will be very important to keep systems more secure because it will enhance the levels of system safety.
How do you find doing business with Andhra Pradesh govt?
It has been very good.
They have been very, very supportive. More importantly, there is a level of passion, enthusiasm and aggressiveness which I think is very, very positive. I mean we started talking about this in March. We have signed an MOU in record time and if everything goes well, we will have a machine here soon.
AP govt has Jan 1, 2026 as the target to launch Amaravati quantum valley. Are you confident of doing it in this short span?
You must get the environment ready for it.
I think the govt is aggressively building that. And then we will have the machines. This is a big thing for India. Having a machine in India itself is a huge thing. Those who are part of our network are accessing the real quantum computer on cloud.
So, they don't have to come down to Amravati to access the computer?
No. A lot of people have been asking me will everyone have to come to Amravati and log in. No, this is available on the cloud. I think what is good is this will be in India. So, the pipes to access it become easier. You have data residency here, so it makes it easier for people and govt to use it where you don't have to connect over the cloud to the US.
By when we can expect to see the real use cases of quantum computer?
The technology is still new. We believe over the next three to five years we will actually see use cases at scale.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Doctor's Day 2025
,
messages
and quotes!