Karnataka unveiled blueprint for India’s first Quantum City, proposed to be developed at Hesaraghatta near Bengaluru. The initiative aims to establish Karnataka as the global hub for quantum computing, quantum communication, hardware manufacturing, and deep-tech innovation. The development aligns with the fact that 2025 is being observed as the International Year of Quantum Science, enhancing global focus and collaboration opportunities.
Key Highlights
- Karnataka aims to become a leader in quantum research, innovation, and manufacturing, with the capability to export quantum hardware, cloud quantum computing services, and skilled manpower.
- The state has committed an investment of ₹1,000 crore under the Karnataka Quantum Mission to develop India’s strongest quantum ecosystem.
- Karnataka is positioning itself ahead in quantum chip manufacturing, even as other parts of India are primarily beginning semiconductor ecosystem discussions.
India’s First Quantum City- Infrastructure & Vision
Core Components Planned
The Quantum City will include:
- Advanced quantum research laboratories
- Quantum Hardware Park
- Cryogenic and precision testing facilities
- Quantum cloud & data centres
- Quantum chip fabrication ecosystem
- Deep-tech and quantum startup district
- End-to-end plug-and-play facilities — from research to incubation to commercialisation
Objectives:
- Create a complete quantum value chain
- Enable industry-academia-research collaboration
- Support quantum-focused startups and intellectual property development
- Build global export-oriented infrastructure
Quantum Supremacy Centre – Key Addition
- Karnataka government has approved ₹1,136 crore for establishing the Quantum Supremacy Centre in Bengaluru.
- This centre will serve as a pioneering facility for quantum chip fabrication and cryogenic hardware development.
- Will also host data clusters and provide infrastructure for precision testing, linked directly with Quantum City facilities.
- Aims to give India a leadership role in quantum hardware and quantum computing capabilities
Strategic Significance
For Karnataka
- Strengthens Karnataka’s position as India’s Deep-Tech Capital
- Expands beyond IT and semiconductors into next-generation computing
- Expected to attract global tech and research partnerships
For India
- Supports India’s ambition to rise as a global quantum power
- Reduces dependency on foreign hardware and chips
- Drives innovation in defence, cybersecurity, healthcare, climate modelling, satellite communication, and AI
Global Relevance
- Quantum computing and chips are considered the backbone of future technology
- Countries leading the quantum race will dominate computational power, encryption, and security capabilities
About Quantum Computing
- Uses principles of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement
- Qubits replace traditional binary bits
- Enables computation at speeds impossible for classical computers
What is Quantum Supremacy?
- The ability of a quantum computer to solve a problem that classical computers cannot solve in a practical time frame
- First demonstrated by Google in 2019
India-Level Initiatives in Quantum Technology
| Initiative | Details |
| National Quantum Mission (NQM) | Approved in 2023, with budget ₹6,003 crore, aims to develop quantum science and build secure communication networks by 2031. |
| C-DAC & ISRO work | Quantum satellite communication and quantum key distribution research |
| IIT-Madras, IISc Bengaluru | Leading academic research in quantum computing education |
Karnataka in Tech & Innovation
| Area | Achievements |
| Tech capital | Bengaluru – Silicon Valley of India |
| Semiconductor move | India Semiconductor Mission – Fab proposal zone |
| AI & Space | IN-SPACe collaborations, AI innovation hubs |
| Deep-tech startups | Highest concentration in India |
| Hesaraghatta | Situated in Bengaluru Urban district, Karnataka. Known for Hesaraghatta Lake and conservation spaces; known for research institutes including Indian Institute of Horticultural Research and NRCL-H. Close proximity to the IT & research cluster of Bengaluru, enabling talent and logistics support |