AP aims for top 5 global quantum hub status

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh is positioning its planned “Quantum Valley” in Amaravati as a global hub for quantum computing hardware and research, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu setting an aggressive timeline for domestic manufacturing and ecosystem development.

Speaking at a high-level industry roundtable on building a quantum hardware manufacturing base, Naidu said the Amaravati initiative - aligned with India’s National Quantum Mission, could “provide a new direction for the nation” and place the state at the forefront of next-generation technologies.The state government is targeting indigenous production of quantum computing devices within two years, while aiming to position Andhra Pradesh among the world’s top five quantum hubs by 2030.

The plan includes developing a full-stack ecosystem spanning hardware, algorithms, cryogenics, photonics, and power electronics.

The roundtable brought together stakeholders across government, academia, and industry, including representatives from IBM, central public sector R&D institutions such as C-DAC, C-DOT, DRDO, BARC, and NSTL, as well as startups and quantum-focused firms including QPI AI, Quantum AI Global, and Qubit Force.

Officials said the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) will house dedicated infrastructure for quantum hardware manufacturing, research labs, and startup incubation across multiple towers under development in the capital region.

Naidu framed the initiative as a “first-mover advantage” play, drawing parallels with the state’s early investments in information technology that contributed to the rise of Hyderabad as a major tech hub. He said the government is now focusing on workforce development and skilling to support the emerging quantum ecosystem, with collaborations involving industry and academic partners.

The state has already rolled out a dedicated quantum computing policy, positioning itself as an early mover among Indian states, and begun interim operations from Medha Towers in Vijayawada. Officials said multiple companies have signed agreements with the government, with several already commencing operations.

Industry participants at the meeting emphasised the need for testing infrastructure, certification frameworks, and collaborative R&D to accelerate commercialisation. Companies also indicated readiness to deploy quantum simulators and develop applications spanning sensing technologies, including biosensors and mineral detection systems.

In a near-term milestone, industry representatives said India’s first open-access quantum computer is expected to be made available in Amaravati from April 14 for researchers and students, potentially marking an early step in ecosystem adoption.

Naidu said the long-term goal is to reduce reliance on imports and build a self-sustaining domestic supply chain for quantum technologies, adding that the state is seeking deeper partnerships under the National Quantum Mission to scale the initiative.