Karnataka to host India’s first commercial quantum computer at IIIT Dharwad

Karnataka has announced plans to install India’s first commercial quantum computer at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Dharwad, positioning the state as a key player in emerging quantum technologies.

The announcement was made by Minister for Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge following separate meetings with Bengaluru-based deeptech firm QpiAI and Singapore-headquartered water technology company ZWEEC.

According to an official press release, the discussions focused on advanced technology development and infrastructure solutions.

“Karnataka is moving decisively in the quantum space. The deployment of India’s first commercial quantum computer at the Indian Institute of Information Technology–Dharwad marks a significant milestone in building a world-class quantum ecosystem,” the minister said.

During talks with QpiAI, Kharge reviewed plans to deploy the country’s first indigenously developed commercial quantum computer at IIIT Dharwad.

The state also announced the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Quantum AI and Computing at the institute to support research and innovation in the sector.

QpiAI outlined its roadmap to scale its quantum systems from 25 qubits to a 1,000-qubit quantum computer over the next two to three years.

Officials said the discussions reflected Karnataka’s broader push to build partnerships in advanced technologies while strengthening local innovation ecosystems.

In a separate meeting, ZWEEC representatives presented their biomonitoring technology designed to detect drinking water contamination and identify algal blooms at an early stage.

The solution was discussed as a potential tool to improve water safety monitoring, particularly in rural areas.

Kharge said the government would examine the feasibility of piloting the technology in partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department.

Officials said the proposal is under review to assess whether the technology can be implemented in collaboration with rural water authorities.

The meetings with QpiAI and ZWEEC underscore the state’s strategy of working with technology firms to advance research capabilities and deploy practical solutions aligned with Karnataka’s innovation and development goals.