In recent years, India has seen a surge in quantum science and technology activities, bolstered by government initiatives such as the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has established a collaboration with IBM on quantum computing education and research in order to keep the momentum rolling.

This agreement will give IIT Madras faculty, researchers, and student’s access to IBM's quantum systems and tools via the IBM Cloud, allowing them to accelerate joint research in quantum computing and develop curricula to help students prepare for careers in science and business that will be influenced by this next era of computing.

The Quantum Computing Lab courses, which will be taught in collaboration between IIT Madras faculty and IBM researchers, will involve hands-on lab sessions on IBM quantum systems and will complement existing quantum information and computing courses. Faculty and students will have access to the learning resources, tools, and systems that IBM will deliver. The Metropolitan Area Quantum Access Network (MAQAN) and the Centre for Field Programmable Photonic Gate Arrays (FPPGAs) at IIT Madras are major initiatives backed by the ministry of electronics and information technology.

Gargi Dasgupta, director, IBM Research India, said, “Quantum computing is fast emerging as one of the disruptive technologies of our times. IBM is committed to supporting educators like IIT Madras who are shaping the next generation of quantum innovators through various initiatives and programmes.

This collaboration with IIT Madras is part of the IBM Quantum Educators programme that helps teachers in the quantum field connect with one another and provide learning resources, tools and systems access they need to provide quality educational experiences.”

IIT Madras introduced the Interdisciplinary Dual Degree (IDDD) programme on ‘Quantum Science and Technologies’ (QuEST) in July 2020. The Institute fosters a collaborative environment under a cluster of projects focused on Quantum Communication and Computation, Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Materials, boosting the research infrastructure in these areas, and funding international conferences and collaborations.

The Quantum Computing Lab at IIT Madras will host courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students and better prepare for a career in quantum science and technology.