‘Quantum computing nearing inflection point’: IBM to deploy India’s first quantum computer by September in Amaravati

Vijayawada: IBM chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna said India’s first quantum computer will be commissioned in Amaravati by the end of Sept. He also said the quantum computing revolution is approaching an inflection point, stating that quantum computers are just two to three years away from delivering significant commercial advantages across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, financial services, logistics, cybersecurity, and advanced AI.The announcement marks a significant milestone for Amaravati Quantum Valley, Andhra Pradesh’s flagship initiative to build India’s leading quantum innovation ecosystem. The initiative brings together govt, industry, academia, and startups to create world-class capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and workforce development.IBM’s quantum computer two, powered by a 156-qubit Heron processor, is the most advanced quantum computer developed by the company and is the second computer outside the US.

Though quantum applications are yet to become a reality, Krishna’s announcement indicates that the deployment of quantum computer applications is ahead of the 2030 schedule fixed earlier.As part of the collaboration with IBM, the AP govt has already announced a dedicated policy attracting startups and innovators to Amaravati Quantum Valley. Two quantum reference centres have already been set up, and they have recently achieved cooling to 4 Kelvin, which is crucial for conducting quantum experiments.

Quantum computers operate at millikelvin temperatures, which is a few hundredths of absolute zero temperature.

Achieving millikelvin temperatures is a tough task, according to experts.With an IBM Quantum System set to be operational in Amaravati, the city is likely to position itself at the forefront of India’s next technology frontier. According to experts, once quantum computers are operational and use cases are successfully tested, they will open new frontiers of technology, solving a new set of complex problems that conventional computers cannot. The Amaravati Quantum Valley will aim to provide researchers, startups, and enterprises with access to cutting-edge quantum infrastructure.