Quantum computing expands in Karnataka with 25-qubit QpiAI Indus at IIIT-Dharwad

The Karnataka government announced the installation of QpiAI Indus, a 25-qubit quantum computing system, at the Quantum Computing Center of Excellence. The facility operates at the Indian Institute of Information Technology IIIT, Dharwad and IIIT-Raichur. Officials said the move widened access for academia and industry across India.

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The government said this marked QpiAI’s second deployment in Karnataka. Officials linked the step to the state’s quantum plans and its wider technology goals. The installation was announced on Wednesday. It was presented as part of efforts to build stronger computing capacity for research and enterprise work.

Karnataka quantum roadmap and LEAP programme

According to an official statement, the initiative fell under the Local Economy Acceleration Programme LEAP. The government said it matched the Karnataka Quantum Roadmap. Officials also said it supported the state’s plan for next-generation technology infrastructure. The statement added that Karnataka aimed to strengthen its position in energy and emerging technologies.

Officials said the QpiAI Indus system was meant for both learning and commercial use. It was expected to support curriculum design and practical student training. The system was also set to aid faculty-led research. At the same time, enterprises could test quantum tools on real problems.

Karnataka quantum roadmap and user support at IIIT

Officials said QpiAI would provide continuing support for IIIT-Dharwad users. This support would include onboarding and help with developing applications. It would also cover efforts to operationalise use cases. Officials said the work would span research projects and industry engagements connected to the centres.

IT Minister Priyank Kharge said, "the installation of QpiAI Indus at IIIT-Dharwads Quantum Computing Centre of Excellence is a direct outcome of Karnataka Quantum Roadmap, and it reflects the state governments philosophy of building real infrastructure. We now have two quantum computing installations in the state, and this is just the beginning. Our centres of excellence, from agritech to space tech, are the bedrock of our innovation ecosystem, and quantum computing is the next frontier,\" he added.

Karnataka quantum roadmap and applied science focus

Science & Technology Minister N S Boseraju said the 25-qubit deployment at IIIT Dharwad and IIIT Raichur was important for applied science. \"By embedding quantum computing within an academic institution of this stature, we are ensuring that research, experimentation, and discovery happen right here in Karnatakas classrooms and laboratories. This is the kind of institution-industry convergence that transforms a states scientific capability for generations,\" he added.

With QpiAI Indus now installed, officials said the quantum centres at IIIT Dharwad and IIIT Raichur would support teaching and research. They also said the system could handle enterprise workloads for testing and development. The state described the deployment as another step in building a larger quantum ecosystem in Karnataka.

With inputs from PTI