India’s First Indigenous Quantum Computer Launched: A Leap Toward Technological Sovereignty

India marked a transformative moment in its scientific progress on June 24, 2025, with the unveiling of its first indigenously developed quantum computer, named QpiAI-Indus. Created by QpiAI, a Bengaluru-based deeptech company, this 25-qubit machine represents India’s official entry into the select group of nations capable of building and operating quantum computing systems. It also aligns with the country’s broader investments in AI-focused supercomputing, with over 34,000 GPUs now supporting cutting-edge research. This step highlights India’s ambitions in hybrid computing—where classical and quantum systems operate in tandem—opening doors across industries such as healthcare, AI, supply chain optimization, and advanced material development.

Technical Highlights and Launch Ceremony

The QpiAI-Indus quantum computer, which employs superconducting qubit architecture, was introduced during an official event attended by key government officials, including Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with researchers from premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and various IITs. This system, though relatively modest when compared to global leaders such as IBM’s 127-qubit or Google’s 70-qubit systems, serves as an essential foundation for developing practical applications and testing quantum algorithms.

Built to operate within a hybrid quantum-classical environment, QpiAI-Indus leverages India’s supercomputing infrastructure, including PARAM Siddhi-AI, to perform computations that combine the strengths of quantum and classical processors. The launch also included a cloud-based interface, allowing startups, universities, and research groups to access the quantum computer remotely, thus promoting inclusive innovation.

The Role of the National Quantum Mission (NQM)

This milestone stems from India’s broader National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched in April 2023 with a funding commitment of ₹6,003 crore (approximately $720 million). The mission aims to propel India into the top league of countries in the areas of quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials research over an eight-year period. It seeks to cultivate a robust ecosystem by fostering academic-industry collaboration, promoting research hubs, and nurturing startups.

Key components of the NQM include:

• Thematic Hubs in computing, communication, sensing, and materials science hosted by IISc, IITs, and TIFR.

• Training of 50,000 professionals in quantum technologies by 2030.

• Support for 100 quantum-focused startups, through funding and incubation support.

This launch coincides with other national tech investments such as 18 new supercomputers under the National Supercomputing Mission and a ₹14,000 crore ($1.68 billion) initiative for AI research, illustrating a multi-pronged approach to next-gen computing.

Strategic Importance of an Indigenous Quantum System

1. Strengthening Technological Independence: For years, India has been dependent on imports for advanced technologies in defense, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Developing a domestic quantum computing platform reduces this reliance, giving the country strategic control over a critical area of emerging tech.

2. Enhancing Global Competitiveness: With countries like the United States, China, and Canada heavily investing in quantum research—collectively exceeding $30 billion—India’s move helps it gain ground. Although the QpiAI-Indus has fewer qubits than its global peers, it sets the stage for scalable quantum systems, with a vision to cross the 100-qubit threshold in the near future.

3. Economic Growth Potential: The Indian quantum technology market is projected to reach $1 billion by 2030, particularly through applications in sectors like finance, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. The current launch is expected to create about 10,000 high-skill jobs and stimulate growth in related industries like cryogenics and photonics. The cloud access model will help smaller companies and academic institutions participate in quantum experimentation.

4. Boosting Research Capacity: Collaborations between QpiAI and top institutions such as IISc and IITs have created a powerful R&D foundation. The NQM’s thematic hubs are set to deepen this collaboration, encouraging further breakthroughs in algorithms, quantum sensors, and new materials.

Collaborative Development and Funding

Founded in 2019, QpiAI has become a leading name in India’s quantum startup space. The company raised $6.5 millionin pre-Series A funding in 2024 from venture capital firms like YourNest, and has focused on integrating AI with quantum computing from the start. The QpiAI-Indus system is a culmination of its research in quantum software platforms and hybrid computing environments.

Research partnerships with IISc and IIT Madras offered access to cleanroom labs and engineering talent, particularly in superconducting circuits. Additionally, QpiAI leveraged global collaboration by using open-source quantum frameworks and knowledge exchange with international firms like IBM. The backing of India’s Department of Science and Technology helped ensure streamlined processes and infrastructure support.

Application Areas and Use Cases

The QpiAI-Indus is poised to tackle real-world challenges across several high-impact domains:

• Pharmaceutical Research: By simulating molecular structures and interactions, quantum computing can expedite drug development for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s—potentially revolutionizing India’s $50 billion pharma industry.

• Logistics and Operations: Quantum algorithms offer efficient solutions for complex problems in traffic control, supply chains, and resource distribution, vital to managing India’s $3 trillion economy.

• Cybersecurity: With rising cyber threats—India recorded $10 billion in cyber-related losses in 2024—quantum-based encryption and secure communication protocols offer a future-proof alternative.

• Materials Science: Quantum simulations accelerate innovation in materials used for renewable energy, battery technology, and semiconductors, supporting India’s carbon neutrality goals by 2070.

By offering cloud-based access, QpiAI-Indus makes it easier for startups, academic researchers, and businesses to experiment, innovate, and build real-world applications.

Challenges and Hurdles

Despite its significance, the initiative faces several challenges:

1. Limited Qubit Count: Compared to global leaders like IBM’s 433-qubit Osprey, the 25-qubit QpiAI-Indus is an early-stage machine. Expanding to more powerful systems requires advancements in error correction and qubit coherence.

2. Talent Gap: India’s goal of training 50,000 quantum professionals faces a steep curve, with fewer than 5,000 experts currently available. Global competition for talent poses a major retention challenge.

3. High Infrastructure Costs: Quantum systems require specialized environments, including cryogenic cooling and low-noise labs. Building and maintaining these facilities demands significant investment and reliable supply chains.

4. Rising International Competition: Countries like China and the U.S. have already invested billions in quantum R&D. India must keep pace through continued investment and international partnerships.

5. Uncertain ROI: The commercial potential of quantum computing is still emerging, and the return on investment may take time. QpiAI must balance research with near-term use cases to attract sustainable funding.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Government: This development boosts India’s stature in global tech and aligns with its Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) policy. However, long-term success depends on continuous financial and regulatory support.

• Industry: Businesses in sectors such as banking, logistics, and life sciences stand to benefit from integrating quantum computing into their workflows. Companies like TCS and Wipro may adopt quantum services to stay competitive.

• Academia: Universities and research institutions gain access to a live quantum system, allowing for more advanced research and global collaboration.

• International Partners: India’s cost-effective research environment and growing talent pool make it an attractive partner for global tech firms looking to expand their quantum initiatives.

Looking Ahead

QpiAI has laid out a roadmap to scale its quantum systems to 100 qubits by 2028, in line with the NQM’s goal of establishing 10 quantum computing facilities and nurturing 50 startups and 20 research centers by 2030. Integration with India’s AI Mission, which supports over 10,000 GPUs, will enhance hybrid computing capabilities.

Public sentiment, including reactions on X (formerly Twitter), reflects widespread optimism about India’s technological leap. The hybrid model pursued by India mirrors global approaches that prioritize practical utility over quantum supremacy.

In conclusion, while India still has hurdles to overcome—including technical challenges and workforce development—this launch sets the foundation for a robust quantum ecosystem that combines academic strength, industry innovation, and policy support to drive long-term impact.