A quantum leap for Andhra Pradesh
By G Janardhana Rao
Amaravati: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Quantum Reference Facility, marking a major step toward making the state a hub for emerging technologies. The Chief Minister launched two key facilities 1S Open Access Quantum Facility at SRM University-AP and 1Q Quantum Facility at Medha Towers, Amaravati.
The inauguration event saw participation from representatives of the National Quantum Mission, Department of Science & Technology (DST), several quantum technology companies, IIT professors, and leading scientists.
Addressing the gathering, Chandrababu Naidu said the state government is committed to positioning Amaravati as a knowledge and innovation capital. He stressed that quantum technology will play a crucial role in sectors like cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, and advanced computing, and Andhra Pradesh should lead in research and application.
He said there is no dearth of funds for innovation and public universities also should compete with private universities towards encouraging innovation and start up projects. He stressed the need for creating an eco system by filling gaps. Describing today as a greatest day on the occasion of birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and World Quantum Day, the Chief Minister said that with the launching of two quantum facility centres it is proved that India is capable of producing quantum computers.
The Chief Minister said for too long India missed major global breakthrough in hardware and products. Now Quantum gives India a once in a generation opportunity to develop hardware. Stating that Andhra Pradesh is proud to contribute to the national quantum mission, the Chief Minister stressed the need for spreading the message that they are capable of building institutions, talent, infrastructure, confidence and building the future of young generations.
Officials from the National Quantum Mission noted that these facilities align with India's national roadmap to build quantum capabilities by 2031. IIT faculty and scientists present at the event highlighted the importance of creating a skilled talent pool and an ecosystem that connects academia, industry, and government.
Secretary Science and Technology, Govt of India Abhay Karandikar, AP state Quantum Mission director CV Sridhar, Qbit force founder L Venkata Subramaniam, Qubitec founder Prudhvi Pinnaka, DRDO NHTL Director General RV Haraprasad, SRM university vice chancellor Ch Satishkumar, SRM Pro chancellor P Satyanarayabna and others addressed the gathering.
The 1S Open Access Quantum Facility at SRM University-AP is aimed at providing students, researchers, and startups access to quantum computing infrastructure for learning and experimentation. The 1Q Quantum Facility at Medha Towers is designed to support industry collaboration, product development, and commercialization of quantum solutions.
The state government expects the new facilities to attract quantum startups, foster R&D, and generate high-end employment opportunities in Amaravati.
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