September 12, 2025
Delhi, India
In a groundbreaking development for India’s technological landscape, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced the establishment of the country’s first Quantum Reference Facility at Amaravati Quantum Valley. With an estimated investment of Rs 40 crore, this state-of-the-art center will serve as a national hub for testing, benchmarking, and characterizing quantum components, paving the way for indigenous quantum computer manufacturing. The announcement, made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on September 12, 2025, underscores Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to lead the global quantum revolution and align with the National Quantum Mission (NQM). This facility not only accelerates innovation but also reduces India’s reliance on imported quantum technologies, fostering a self-reliant ecosystem.
Key Points:
- Investment: Rs 40 crore for the facility, focusing on quantum hardware validation and research.
- Timeline: Expected to lay the foundation for quantum computer production within two years, with full operations supporting the NQM’s goals by 2030.
- Strategic Location: Integrated into the Amaravati Quantum Valley Tech Park, set to launch by January 2026, featuring India’s largest quantum computer.
- Broader Impact: Positions Amaravati as India’s quantum capital, driving economic growth through deep-tech jobs and startups.
The Vision Behind Amaravati Quantum Valley: From Concept to Reality
The Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) initiative, first unveiled in March 2025, has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of India’s quantum ambitions. Building on Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with global giants like IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in May 2025, the valley aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for quantum research and applications. The July 2025 approval of the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration formalized commitments to advance quantum technologies across sectors like healthcare, defense, and energy. Chief Minister Naidu emphasized that AQV will be the “birthplace of India’s indigenous quantum computer manufacturing ecosystem,” with the new facility accelerating this vision by enabling local testing and reducing import costs.
Key Points:
- Historical Milestones: Initial plans announced in March 2025; MoUs with IBM and TCS in May for deploying a 156-qubit IBM Quantum System Two by January 2026.
- Collaborative Framework: Supported by the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration, involving six joint commitments from the state government, IBM, TCS, and L&T.
- Workshop Momentum: June 2025 curtain-raiser and July workshop highlighted targets like testing 100 quantum algorithms and establishing a Quantum Computing Centre.
- Future Goals: By 2026, AQV will integrate quantum infrastructure into a larger DeepTech Research Park, attracting global investments and talent.
Key Players and Partnerships: Driving India’s Quantum Ecosystem
The announcement brought together a powerhouse of stakeholders, including startups, academic institutions, and global partners. Dr. J.B.V. Reddy, Mission Director of the National Quantum Mission, along with L. Venkat Subramaniam from IBM Quantum India and C.V. Sridhar from TCS, reaffirmed their roles as strategic anchors. Prof. R. Vijay Raghavan from TIFR, who led India’s first 6-qubit quantum computer development, highlighted the facility’s role in boosting indigenous innovation. Additionally, Amber Enterprises announced a Rs 200 crore investment for India’s first Quantum Cryogenic Components Facility in Amaravati, essential for superconducting quantum systems. These partnerships, backed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), ensure AQV aligns with NQM’s focus on quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
Key Points:
- Core Partners: IBM (providing Quantum System Two with 156-qubit Heron processor), TCS (developing algorithms for life sciences and energy), and NQM/DST for policy support.
- New Investments: Amber Enterprises’ Rs 200 crore cryogenic facility to produce cooling systems for quantum hardware, a high-priority NQM area.
- Academic and Startup Involvement: TIFR’s expertise in qubit development; collaborations with QpiAI (25-qubit Indus computer) and others for hardware R&D.
- Global Alignment: Draws inspiration from international models while supporting NQM’s Thematic Hubs in IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi.
National Quantum Mission: The Backbone of India’s Quantum Ambitions
Launched in April 2023 with a Rs 6,003.65 crore budget until 2031, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is central to this initiative. Overseen by DST, NQM aims to create a vibrant quantum technology ecosystem through four Thematic Hubs focusing on computing, communication, sensing & metrology, and materials & devices. The Amaravati facility directly supports NQM’s goals by developing single-photon sources, entangled photon systems, and high-sensitivity magnetometers. It addresses challenges like import dependency and builds on milestones such as India’s 6-qubit processor and QpiAI’s 25-qubit system. Experts note that NQM positions India as the seventh country with a dedicated quantum mission, alongside the US, China, and others, with applications in drug design, secure communications, and precision navigation.
Key Points:
- NQM Budget and Scope: Rs 6,003.65 crore for R&D in quantum tech, creating jobs and supporting Digital India, Make in India, and SDGs.
- Key Deliverables: Satellite-based quantum communications over 2,000 km, multi-node quantum networks, atomic clocks, and superconductors.
- Thematic Hubs: Announced in September 2024; 14 technical groups across top institutions like IISc and IITs for specialized quantum verticals.
- Amaravati’s Role: Complements NQM’s Call for Proposals (January 2024) by providing testing infrastructure, reducing costs, and fostering startups.
Implications for Innovation and Economy: A Global Quantum Hub in the Making
This facility promises transformative impacts, from accelerating quantum algorithm development to creating thousands of high-tech jobs in Andhra Pradesh. By enabling indigenous manufacturing, it cuts import reliance and boosts sectors like banking, defense, and climate modeling. Social media buzz, including posts from Andhra Pradesh officials and tech enthusiasts, highlights excitement over AQV’s potential to make India a quantum superpower. Challenges like skilled talent shortages and infrastructure needs persist, but partnerships with IBM and TCS are addressing them through training and access to cloud-based quantum resources. As Naidu stated, “With these pioneering partnerships, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself at the forefront of the global quantum revolution,” signaling a new era of deep-tech leadership.
Key Points:
- Economic Boost: Expected to generate employment in quantum R&D, startups, and manufacturing; aligns with NQM’s focus on economic growth.
- Innovation Applications: Quantum simulations for water management, disease diagnosis, and supply chain optimization.
- Global Positioning: Amaravati to rival international hubs; supports NQM’s international collaborations for joint research and networking.
- Public Sentiment: Recent X posts celebrate the announcement, with calls for more investments in quantum cities like Bengaluru’s Q-City.
