Karnataka to map quantum ecosystem on Swiss model

BENGALURU: Karnataka will soon have its own “Quantum Ecosystem Map” on the lines of Switzerland’s globally recognised “Swissnex Quantum Map”, which tracks research and industrial activity in the fast-growing field of quantum technology.Science and technology minister NS Boseraju Wednesday directed officials to begin work on the mapping exercise to create a comprehensive database of all institutions, startups, and industries in Karnataka working on quantum science and its applications. The map is expected to become a reference platform for researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, highlighting the State’s expanding role in this emerging sector.

The decision follows the minister’s recent visit to Switzerland, where he attended the Swissnex Quantum and GSDA conference and met with leading research institutions, including ETH Zurich and CERN, to explore partnerships in quantum innovation.Chairing a review meeting with Angela Honegger, CEO and Consul General of Swissnex India, at Vikas Soudha, Boseraju said Bengaluru was emerging as India’s “Quantum Startup Capital”, hosting several startups, research centres, and industries developing next-generation computing and communication technologies.

“Karnataka has already taken the lead with the country’s first Q-City project sanctioned here. The ecosystem map will help us promote the State’s growing expertise and create new opportunities for research collaboration and investment,” he said.Honegger welcomed the initiative, noting that the Swissnex Quantum Map had become an important global tool for tracking who is working on which areas of quantum technology.

A similar mapping exercise, she said, would provide visibility to Karnataka’s research institutions and enable stronger collaboration between India and Switzerland.The meeting also discussed setting up a Karnataka–Swissnex Joint Desk as a single-window platform for research exchange, startup facilitation, and policy coordination. The proposed desk would connect universities, industries, and innovation agencies from both regions to support joint projects and the sharing of best practices in fields such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies.The meeting was attended by K-STePS managing director Sadashiva Prabhu, IISc professor Arindam Ghosh and Swissnex India’s Head of Innovation Rahul Kulshreshtha.