100 engineering colleges to get 1 crore to design quantum teaching labs

To encourage interest in quantum technology, the government will set up “quantum teaching labs” in 100 engineering colleges across India. Each selected institution will receive ₹1 crore to help create undergraduate-level quantum technology courses, develop faculty expertise, and establish teaching facilities.

The initiative has been launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to strengthen education in this field. DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar explained that these labs are intended for teaching rather than research and will support colleges in offering minor programmes in quantum technology for BTech students.

Karandikar spoke at IIT Bombay, where Minister of State Jitendra Singh inaugurated new fabrication and central facilities for quantum technology development. These facilities fall under the Union government’s National Quantum Mission, which has a total investment of ₹720 crore.

As part of the mission, the Ministry of Science and Technology is working to accelerate research in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Significant work is already underway at institutions including IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IISc Bengaluru, Indian Express reported.

Singh said India is steadily positioning itself as a global frontrunner in quantum technology and praised the launch of the new, advanced fabrication and centralised research facilities.

As part of the same national mission, quantum-teaching or training labs are set to be created in 100 engineering colleges. According to Karandikar, nearly 500 colleges have already applied to set up these labs. He explained that 100 capable institutions will be chosen, each receiving ₹1 crore in support.

He added that while future phases may involve higher funding, the current allocation is capped at ₹100 crore. Karandikar also noted that around eight startups have already emerged in the quantum sector, and steps are being taken to help them grow.

Singh further pointed out that breakthroughs in quantum technology will ease the handling of complex challenges, especially in areas like medicine because of its advanced applications.

Emphasising the need for interdisciplinary education, he remarked that innovations in this field should not happen in isolation and suggested that collaborative, cross-disciplinary structures should eventually become the norm rather than an optional approach.