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25-qubit quantum computing system installed at IIIT-Dharwad, Raichur

March 12, 2026 4 min read Science & Technology GS3 (Science and Technology Innovation Space and Defence)
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What Happened

  • The QpiAI-Indus, a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer developed by Bengaluru-based startup QpiAI, was installed at IIIT-Dharwad and made jointly accessible to IIIT-Raichur under Karnataka's LEAP (Local Excellence in Advancing Platforms) initiative.
  • The installation is part of India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) and represents one of India's most powerful operational quantum computing platforms.
  • QpiAI is one of eight startups funded under the National Quantum Mission to develop indigenous quantum hardware, software, and applications.
  • The system operates at extreme cooling (approximately 10 millikelvin — colder than outer space) using superconducting qubit technology, and is designed to scale to 300 qubits in future configurations.
  • The computer was developed in April 2025 by QpiAI, making it India's first full-stack quantum computing platform with integrated hardware, control systems, and software.

Static Topic Bridges

National Quantum Mission — India's Quantum Technology Drive

India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet on April 19, 2023 with a budget of Rs 6,003.65 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2030-31. The mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits; develop quantum communication networks over 2,000 km; advance quantum sensing and metrology; create a robust quantum materials and device ecosystem. The mission is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Mission Coordinator. Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) are to be established at leading academic institutions for quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.

  • NQM budget: Rs 6,003.65 crore (2023-2031).
  • Nodal ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • Key targets: 50-qubit computer by 2025; 1000-qubit computer by 2031.
  • Satellite-based secure quantum communication between ground stations over 2,000 km — a target for 2026-2031 phase.
  • Eight startups selected under NQM's quantum startup challenge, including QpiAI.
  • The mission positions India among the five countries actively developing national quantum computing ecosystems (alongside USA, China, EU, UK).

Connection to this news: The QpiAI-Indus installation at IIIT-Dharwad represents the NQM's strategy of deploying quantum hardware at academic institutions to build a skilled workforce — the mission's 'human capital' pillar alongside its technology pillar.

Quantum Computing — Key Concepts for UPSC

A quantum computer harnesses quantum mechanical phenomena — superposition and entanglement — to perform computations that would take classical computers an impractically long time. A qubit (quantum bit), unlike a classical bit (0 or 1), can exist in superposition — simultaneously 0 and 1 — until measured. Entanglement links qubits so that the state of one instantly affects the state of another, regardless of distance. Superconducting qubits (used in QpiAI-Indus) are made from materials that become superconducting at ultra-low temperatures (~10 millikelvin), allowing quantum effects to persist long enough for computation. The advantages of quantum computing are most pronounced for: cryptography (Shor's algorithm can break RSA encryption), optimisation problems, drug discovery (molecular simulation), and weather/climate modelling.

  • Qubit count (25): The QpiAI-Indus system is in the "Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum" (NISQ) era — useful for research but not yet capable of full error-corrected quantum advantage over classical computers.
  • Operating temperature: ~10 millikelvin (−273.14°C) — colder than deep space (approximately 2.7 K).
  • Superconducting qubits: The technology used by Google, IBM, and now QpiAI; require dilution refrigerators for cooling.
  • Full-stack: QpiAI built both hardware (quantum chip) and software stack (control electronics, compiler, cloud interface) — unlike most Indian efforts that rely on foreign hardware.
  • Google claimed "quantum supremacy" in 2019 with a 53-qubit system performing a specific calculation in 200 seconds that would take classical computers 10,000 years.

Connection to this news: The QpiAI-Indus 25-qubit system places India's academic and research institutions on the path toward practical quantum computation, reducing reliance on foreign cloud-based quantum services and building domestic expertise.

India's Deep Tech and Startup Ecosystem in Strategic Technologies

India's technology startup ecosystem has expanded significantly into deep tech domains — artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, and biotechnology. The NQM's approach of partnering with private startups (like QpiAI) reflects a shift from purely government-institution-led R&D to a public-private innovation model. The government supports this through iQHUB (Innovation and Quantum Computing Hubs) at IITs and IISc, the Quantum Computing Applications Lab (QCAL) operated by C-DAC, and accelerator programmes under Startup India. Karnataka's LEAP initiative — under which this installation took place — is a state-level programme to distribute advanced technology access to emerging tier-2 institutions.

  • QpiAI: A Bengaluru-based deep tech startup; backed by NQM's startup challenge.
  • C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing): India's premier government body for high-performance computing; also working on quantum computing.
  • Karnataka LEAP initiative: Places advanced computing resources at IIITs in smaller cities (Dharwad, Raichur) to democratise access.
  • IIIT-Dharwad and IIIT-Raichur: Institutions of national importance established under the IIIT (Amendment) Act, 2020.
  • The NQM mandates technology transfer and commercialisation from T-Hubs to industry, ensuring research translates to real-world applications.

Connection to this news: The installation at a second-tier academic institution demonstrates the NQM's goal of distributing quantum capability beyond IITs and IISc, building a broader talent pipeline for India's quantum workforce.

Key Facts & Data

  • System: QpiAI-Indus — 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer.
  • Developer: QpiAI (Bengaluru-based startup); developed April 2025.
  • Location: IIIT-Dharwad (primary); jointly accessible by IIIT-Raichur.
  • Technology: Superconducting qubits; operating temperature ~10 millikelvin.
  • Scale-up potential: Designed to reach 300 qubits in future configurations.
  • Mission framework: National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved April 2023.
  • NQM budget: Rs 6,003.65 crore (2023-2031).
  • NQM nodal ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • Karnataka initiative: LEAP (Local Excellence in Advancing Platforms).
  • NQM startup partners: 8 startups including QpiAI.
  • QpiAI-Indus classification: Full-stack quantum platform (hardware + software).