MIT Bengaluru Launches Quantum Hub to Advance Quantum Computing Research in India

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru has inaugurated the Manipal House of Quantum, also known as Quantum-Hub@MAHE, to strengthen quantum technology research, engineering education and hardware development in India.

Established by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the facility is intended to bring students, researchers, industry partners and technology developers together. Its focus areas include quantum hardware experimentation, practical training, testing infrastructure, innovation and the development of home-grown technologies.

The initiative aligns with India's broader efforts to build domestic capabilities in quantum computing and other emerging technologies.

MIT Bengaluru Quantum Hub to Begin with 25-Qubit System

According to the institution's announcement, the facility will initially operate with a 25-qubit, open-architecture dilution refrigeration system. The infrastructure is designed to support advanced training and experiments involving quantum processors and the systems required to operate them at extremely low temperatures.

The university has outlined a phased development plan, progressing from training systems with fewer than 50 qubits to proof-of-concept platforms with 150 qubits. Its longer-term ambition is to develop industrial-grade quantum product systems featuring more than 1,000 qubits.

These figures describe the institution's proposed roadmap rather than confirmed performance milestones already achieved.

The facility is expected to provide access to quantum hardware, cryogenic equipment and quantum control technologies. Researchers and industry collaborators will be able to explore applications, test components and work on projects intended to bridge the gap between academic research and practical technology development.

Quantum Engineering Training for Students and Researchers

Preparation for the facility's launch included specialised training for faculty members and students from MAHE's Bengaluru and Manipal campuses. The training reportedly took place at MIT Bengaluru and the QuantrolOx laboratory at QuTech, Delft University of Technology, in the Netherlands.

The programme covered dilution refrigerator assembly, cryogenic systems, quantum control, quantum processing unit measurements and superconducting quantum hardware.

The university expects this practical experience to help develop the technical workforce needed to operate quantum systems and support future research and engineering projects.

Partnerships with International Quantum Technology Companies

MAHE has formalised collaborations through agreements with QuantrolOx of Finland, Bluefors of Finland, Qblox of the Netherlands and ConScience of Sweden, according to the announcement.

The partnerships are intended to support workforce training, hardware experimentation, intellectual property development and the creation of testing capabilities.

By bringing academic researchers and specialised technology companies together, the initiative aims to create opportunities for collaborative research, component innovation and deep-tech start-up development.

Plan to Train 100 Quantum Engineers by December 2026

Quantum-Hub@MAHE aims to train 100 quantum engineers by December 2026. The facility will also organise awareness and capacity-building activities to introduce quantum technology to students and professionals.

Planned programmes include summer and winter camps for Class 10 and Class 12 students, including those from rural areas, alongside short practical exposure courses and training for technical professionals.

These activities are intended to expand awareness of quantum technologies and encourage students to explore emerging career paths in science and engineering.

The university also plans to facilitate access to quantum testing and measurement infrastructure for researchers, start-ups and industry partners.

Applications Across Healthcare, Aerospace and Advanced Computing

The facility is expected to support research relevant to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, oncology, aerospace and advanced computing. Quantum technologies are being investigated globally for potential applications in areas such as complex computation, sensing, secure communication and scientific modelling.

However, practical applications depend on continued research, engineering development and validation. The new facility's immediate focus is on experimentation, education and building technical capabilities.

Leaders Highlight Research and Innovation Goals

Zoho co-founder and Chief Scientist Dr. Sridhar Vembu, who inaugurated the facility as chief guest, said the hub could give students an environment in which to explore ideas and develop new technological capabilities. He compared the potential of quantum computing for the current generation with the transformative influence of personal computers and the internet on earlier generations.

MAHE Vice Chancellor Dr. Sharath K. Rao said the initiative reflects the university's focus on advanced scientific infrastructure and talent development. He highlighted the importance of providing researchers with access to modern quantum equipment.

Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Bengaluru, said the hub would bring education, research and innovation together, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary work and practical applications.

MIT Bengaluru Director Prof. Iven Jose said the facility would expose students and researchers to quantum systems and engineering environments, supporting the development of future scientists and technology professionals.

How the Initiative Relates to India's National Quantum Mission

The Government of India's National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved in April 2023 with an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023–24 to 2030–31, aims to strengthen research and industrial development in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.

The mission includes a target of developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50–1,000 physical qubits across selected technology platforms over eight years.

Quantum-Hub@MAHE says its work will align with the country's wider quantum technology ambitions by building practical engineering skills, encouraging research collaboration and supporting indigenous technology development. Its inauguration represents a new institutional initiative; it should not be interpreted as confirmation that the facility is one of the four official thematic hubs established under the National Quantum Mission.

The facility's long-term impact will depend on its research outcomes, training programmes, technology partnerships and ability to translate experimental work into usable systems.