MIT Bengaluru launches quantum hub to enhance India’s deep-tech future

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru launched Manipal House of Quantum (Quantum-Hub@MAHE) to advance quantum hardware experimentation. MIT’s initiative aligning with the National Quantum Mission of India will support engineering education and indigenous technology development.

Marcus Rommel, chief technology officer of ConScience, was there when Sridhar Vembu, chief scientist and co-founder of Zoho Corp., launch the facility. Vice-chancellor Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vise Chancellor Madhu Veeraraghavan, and MIT Bengaluru director Iven Jose were among the MAHE and MIT Bengaluru officials present for the launch.

At the MIT Bengaluru campus, advanced quantum computing infrastructure, including quantum hardware, cryogenic systems, and quantum control technologies, may be practically accessed by students, researchers, and business partners.

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Quantum hardware development

Sridhar Vembu, chief scientist and co-founder of Zoho Corp., discussed the hub's potential for growth, saying, "Q-HUB is a place for students to dream, think deeply and turn their ideas into conviction and action." Quantum computing has the potential to enable this generation to construct new machines, develop ground-breaking applications, and propel India to new heights, just as personal computers and the internet revolutionised possibilities for my generation.

Deep-tech start-up incubation, component innovation, application development, and translational research are supported by MIT Bengaluru. By December 2026, the facility hopes to have trained 100 quantum engineers. A 25-qubit open-architecture dilution refrigeration system intended for advanced training and experimentation is the facility's first piece of equipment. Sub-50-qubit training systems, 150-qubit proof-of-concept platforms, and eventually industrial-grade quantum product systems with over 1,000 qubits are expected to be developed at the facility.

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Training and research goals

Additionally, it will run quantum awareness programs, summer and winter camps to provide practical exposure, and technical professional capacity-building activities for rural India's class 10 and class 12 students.

"The MAHE House of Quantum at MIT, Bengaluru reflects MAHE's commitment to building advanced scientific capabilities and nurturing talent in emerging technologies," said Sharath K. Rao, vise chancellor of MAHE. He also added that the goal is to make a significant contribution to India's expanding quantum ecosystem by facilitating access to contemporary quantum infrastructure.

According to Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, "the Quantum facility at MIT, Bengaluru will provide students and researchers with valuable exposure to real quantum systems and engineering environments. It marks an important step towards developing the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers and innovators."

The hub will focus on research and experimentation relevant to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, oncology, aerospace and advanced computing, while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.