The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and IISER Pune have set up a Technology Innovation Hub on Quantum Technologies. Named as the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation (I-Hub QTF), the technology hub has now been set up as a Section-8 company at IISER Pune. The I-Hub QTF will aim to develop quantum computers, quantum communication devices and systems, novel quantum materials and sensors for day to day applications.

Thirteen research groups from IISER Pune will be part of this hub, which will network with over 20 participating institutes from within the country and with several collaborators from universities and institutions outside India. The DST has sanctioned 170 crores spread over 5 years for developing this hub.

"I-Hub QTF will help India carry out cutting-edge research and development in a field that is at the frontier of the new technologies that will revolutionize our way of living over the next few decades. We are very happy that IISER Pune has been given the opportunity to play a big part in developing this technology in India", said Prof. Jayant Udgaonkar, Director of IISER Pune speaking about the Hub.

Quantum technology is a game changing emerging technology that will potentially replace classical computers for certain specific computational tasks, build ultra-precise clocks and sensors for precision time keeping and global positioning, develop highly secure communication networks, and develop advanced quantum materials. These developments are expected to open up several possibilities in areas such as healthcare, secured communications, transportation, novel materials, and management of natural resources.

The hub will enable incubation of start-up companies, develop skill sets, conduct workshops and courses, and develop state of the art research infrastructure distributed over various collaborating institutes and the hub.

Some of the news coverage on this development is here: Indian Express, Times of India