Karnataka Funds ₹48 Crore for Quantum Research Park phase 2
Quantum Research Park
Karnataka approved the quantum research park's second phase to advance India's technology.
The state cabinet granted ₹48 crore (about $5.78 million USD) for the Quantum Research Park's second phase at IISc in Bengaluru, enhancing Karnataka's technological supremacy. This massive investment helps Karnataka's goal of becoming a top scientific research and computer centre. The initiative should improve Karnataka's quantum economy ranking in India.
The Quantum Scientific Park will be built in the Indian Institute of Science, a top scientific institution. Its main purpose is to provide a resource for quantum technology entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and industry partners. Quantum technologies, which use superposition and entanglement to produce revolutionary computer and sensor devices, are a fast-growing field.
Even though many of these systems are still in experimental stages worldwide, they could outperform modern computers in solving challenging issues. Financial modelling, logistical optimisation, and pharmaceutical chemical structure simulation are examples of these challenges. Quantum technology may change cybersecurity, finance, medicines, and climate modelling.
This latest attempt builds on previous government efforts to build quantum research and development infrastructure. The program, introduced by Karnataka Minister of Electronics, Information Technology, and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge, is led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On X (formerly Twitter), Minister Kharge wrote, “This initiative will strengthen Karnataka’s leadership in quantum research, skill-building and innovation.” It will foster collaboration between industry, entrepreneurs, and academics to create quantum technology. FSID will help build the park.
The extended Quantum Research Park will have shared research equipment, specialised labs, and group experimental facilities. Smaller organisations and independent research teams rarely have easy access to these resources. Minister Kharge promises “world-class quantum technology research and product development facilities” in the park.
Human capital development is a state government priority. The park will have a teacher-student training facility. Practical labs will help students solve real-world problems. To train quantum technology scientists, engineers, and educators, the park will host substantial workforce development programs. The state government expects these measures would boost Karnataka's status as India's most "quantum-ready" workforce. The research park's Q-Daksha, Q-Karyashala, and Q-Pragathi programs offer internships, direct lab access, practical workshops, and upskilling opportunities.
The park's second phase should achieve first-phase goals. Initial operations are expected to host 13 startups and support 55 state-level R&D projects. The grant will also support 15 IISc faculty members' internal research to boost innovation and domestic IP. Minister Kharge claims this will “Boost IP creation”.
Phase 1 of the project was initiated at IISc Bengaluru with FSID before this permission. Phase 1 produced important quantum infrastructure undertakings. Examples include continuous tunable lasers, pulsed Nd:YAG lasers, closed-cycle optical cryostats, and quantum measurement and control systems. The initiatives have also sparked quantum communication, materials, and sensing applications. Phase 1 also helped build collaborations with universities, prominent industrial businesses, and startups.
Government officials say this initiative goes beyond science. Karnataka wants to boost economic growth, attract FDI, and build a global cluster by investing in quantum computing and quantum sensing. Minister Kharge expects this to “attract FDI and open up new economic frontiers” in relevant industries. State government leaders are betting that Karnataka will be strategically positioned at the core of a quantum-driven economy by strengthening its high-end research capabilities, especially in rapidly expanding fields.
The state's approval of this second phase shows its commitment to infrastructure and cutting-edge technology talent. To achieve ambitious goals and maintain Karnataka's technological leadership in India and globally, the ₹48 crore funding is essential.
