India’s quantum technology ecosystem is set to expand with a new high-capacity quantum computing system planned for IIIT Dharwad. Bengaluru-based quantum startup QpiAI has signed a contract with IIIT Dharwad to install its 25-qubit QpiAI Indus quantum computing system at the Quantum and AI Computing Centre of Excellence at the institute. The facility will also be jointly accessed by IIIT Raichur.
The new system will replace an earlier 8-qubit machine that had been planned for deployment at IIIT Dharwad and announced during the Quantum India Bengaluru event.
The installation marks QpiAI’s 2nd quantum computing deployment in Karnataka, following the 8-qubit system announced at Alliance University. The initiative aims to expand access to quantum computing infrastructure for academia and industry across India.
QpiAI Founder and CEO Nagendra Nagaraja described the project as a major step for the company and the country’s growing quantum ecosystem.
“With QpiAI Indus at IIIT-Dharwad’s centre of excellence, our second installation in Karnataka, we are deepening regional capability while expanding national access to quantum infrastructure,” he said.
The new installation will add to other QpiAI deployments announced across the country, including projects planned for the upcoming Amravati quantum valley in Andhra Pradesh. Nagaraja previously said that as an Indian company, QpiAI sees it as its responsibility to support ambitious quantum initiatives across the country while continuing to invest in Karnataka.
The system will support curriculum development, workshops, student training, faculty research, commercial workloads, course modules, research projects and industry collaborations.
Karnataka IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge said the deployment aligns with the state’s quantum technology strategy.
“Karnataka has always led from the front, not just in India, but on the global stage,” he said. “The installation of QpiAI Indus at IIIT-Dharwad’s Quantum and AI Centre of Excellence is a direct outcome of our Karnataka Quantum Roadmap.”
He added that the state now hosts 2 quantum computing installations and aims to prepare young talent for global opportunities.
Science and Technology Minister NS Boseraju said the initiative marks an important step for applied science in the state, adding that integrating quantum systems in academic institutions will support research, experimentation and discovery within local laboratories.
In an earlier interaction with sources, Boseraju said the government plans to provide “prime land” in Bengaluru for a quantum chip foundry as part of a broader vision to build a “quantum city of Bengaluru.”
QpiAI will also assist users in developing applications and operationalising quantum use cases across research and industry. Details on commissioning timelines and user access will be announced later.
SR Mahadeva Prasanna, Director at IIIT Dharwad, said the system will help students and researchers gain practical experience with quantum systems while enabling industry collaboration on commercial workloads.
He also noted that tier-2 cities still lag behind metros in social and professional opportunities, but added that the institute plans to train educators and students across the region. “We are going to train those who can go and teach the courses in their colleges.”
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