Countries such as the US and Japan have based their leadership in quantum computing on local talent, academic research, government support and the installation of local, dedicated quantum computers. India has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a global leader in quantum computing with a similar approach, says Amith Singhee, director, IBM Research India; CTO, IBM India/South Asia.
In this interview, he speaks to Sudhir Chowdhary on the nation’s readiness to adopt this technology. Excerpts:
How do you see the quantum computing space evolving in India? Have there been any recent breakthroughs?
We have seen rapid progress in quantum computing technology, led by IBM across the world. In 2023, IBM published a paper showing “quantum utility”—showing that current quantum computers can perform calculations beyond the reach of supercomputers using brute-force simulations. Today, researchers and enterprises worldwide are building on that to advance quantum algorithm discovery and progress towards quantum advantage.
India’s quantum computing landscape is driven by initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and a focus on R&D. The nation is building towards the growth of its quantum potential by fostering industry engagement and creating a thriving domestic quantum ecosystem. Significant investments in quantum research and talent development are positioning India as a key player in this field.
IBM is actively supporting NQM proposals and contributing to skill-building through quantum system credits and training programmes. As the mission progresses, we expect increased industry participation, which will further drive innovation and readiness for quantum adoption across various sectors.
IBM has advanced quantum research and algorithm discovery through tie-ups with IIT Madras, ISI Kolkata and IISc. For instance, a recent breakthrough stemming from these collaborations can be seen in predicting protein structures using IBM quantum systems. This exemplifies quantum computing’s potential in solving complex challenges.
What should Indian organisations do to prepare for the quantum era?
Indian organisations should begin by building a foundational understanding of quantum computing and its industry impact while investing in talent development. Joining the quantum ecosystem, like the IBM Quantum Network, can provide access to advanced technology and research collaboration. Additionally, the open-source Qiskit software enables new users to write quantum code and integrate it with classical workflows.
Quantum computing is an area with enormous potential. There will be a meaningful first-mover advantage for Indian organisations who begin their education now, rather than waiting for it to become widely adopted.
How can industry leverage the strength in software development to drive quantum innovation?
A major area of innovation will be quantum algorithm discovery and quantum-centric supercomputing, which integrates quantum and classical computing to solve different parts of complex computing problems. This can be an area of strength for India given the country’s strong foundations in software engineering, computer science and high-performance computing. Indian developers and researchers can leverage IBM’s Qiskit software stack to experiment with quantum programming and contribute to the global quantum community.
By fostering a culture of quantum software innovation and encouraging collaboration between developers, academia, and industry, India has the potential to lead in the creation of next-generation quantum applications. This expertise will be critical in solving complex problems across industries and establishing India as a leader in the quantum era.
How can government and industry work together in this field?
Collaboration among government, academia, research bodies, and industry is key for advancing quantum technologies. Government support fosters a conducive environment for R&D. Institutions, like IIT Madras and IISc, drive foundational research, creating a talent pool adept in quantum computing. Industry participation ensures practical applications of these technologies into real-world problems. The IBM Quantum Network, with members like IIT Madras, LTI Mindtree and BosonQ Psi, demonstrate how academia and industry can collaborate to explore quantum applications and develop solutions in finance, materials science, and healthcare.
