Synopsis

Amaravati is set to become a major hub for quantum computing in India, with IBM announcing plans to install one of its advanced quantum systems there by September 2026. This move, driven by India's strong talent pool, aims to unlock significant commercial advantages across various sectors. The initiative aligns with Andhra Pradesh's vision to establish itself as a leading quantum technology center, fostering research and innovation.

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Hyderabad: IBM Chairman and CEO has announced that Amaravati will host one of the first two IBM quantum computers to be installed in India, with the system expected to be commissioned by September 2026.

Speaking at an event in the US, Krishna said quantum computing is nearing an inflection point and could begin delivering "massive commercial advantage" within the next two to three years across industries including pharmaceuticals, materials science, financial services, logistics, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

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"We have put in one quantum computer that is going to go into Amaravati, and that is an agreement with the state there and with the national government," Krishna said, adding that IBM is also in discussions to install another quantum computer in India, though he did not disclose the location.

He said IBM chose Amaravati because of India's deep pool of mathematics and physics talent capable of developing quantum computing applications for global use.

Once operational, the IBM Quantum System is expected to provide researchers, startups, academic institutions and enterprises with access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure from Amaravati.

The announcement builds on Andhra Pradesh's push to position itself as India's quantum technology hub.

In April this year, the state formally unveiled Quantum Valley at the inaugural Quantum Valley Tech Park summit in Amaravati. As part of the initiative, the government announced plans to establish a dedicated quantum computing campus and signed partnerships with industry and academic institutions to accelerate research, talent development and startup incubation.

The state had also showcased plans to create India's first integrated quantum ecosystem by bringing together global technology companies, universities, researchers and startups, with a focus on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and commercial applications. The IBM quantum computer was outlined as a key pillar of this vision, with Amaravati expected to become one of the country's first locations to host such advanced quantum infrastructure.