The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad (IIIT-Dharwad) has been designated by the Karnataka state government to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Quantum AI and Computing, representing the first such facility outside of Bengaluru. Director Mahadev Prasanna announced a Rs 18 crore (approximately $2.17 million USD) sanction to construct a state-of-the-art quantum research laboratory on campus, aligning with both the state’s LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Programme) and the Union government’s National Quantum Mission. This CoE will prioritize advanced research, large-scale human resource development—aiming to train 1,000 specialists—and the development of quantum applications across healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity.
IIIT-Dharwad Selected to Host Quantum AI Centre of Excellence
IIIT-Dharwad is set to become a hub for quantum innovation as the Karnataka state government selected it to host a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Quantum AI and Computing. A significant ₹18 crore has been sanctioned to establish a state-of-the-art research laboratory on campus, marking the first such facility outside of Bengaluru. This initiative aligns with both the state’s LEAP program – backed by a ₹1,000 crore budget – and the national Quantum Mission, aiming to propel India’s quantum capabilities.
The CoE will focus on bridging the gap between conventional and quantum computing, tackling complex problems currently unsolvable by traditional methods. Research areas include applications in healthcare (like improved breast cancer detection, currently a BTech project at IIIT-Dharwad), finance, and cybersecurity. Crucially, the centre prioritizes workforce development, planning programs for engineering students (a 2-year minor), science graduates (6-month certificate), and industry professionals (1-month intensive training), with a goal of training 1,000 specialists.
Beyond research, IIIT-Dharwad’s CoE aims to decentralize Karnataka’s IT/BT ecosystem, extending innovation beyond Bengaluru to cities like Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, and Mysuru.
Expanding Karnataka’s IT Ecosystem with Quantum Technologies
Karnataka is strategically expanding its IT ecosystem beyond Bengaluru with a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Quantum AI and Computing, hosted at IIIT-Dharwad. A Rs 18 crore investment, sanctioned under the LEAP program (backed by a broader Rs 1,000 crore budget), will establish a state-of-the-art quantum research lab. This initiative directly addresses limitations of conventional computing—struggling with complex, real-time challenges—by harnessing quantum mechanics for highly optimised solutions in sectors like healthcare and cybersecurity.
The CoE will focus heavily on human resource development, aiming to train 1,000 specialists. This includes a two-year minor program in Quantum AI & Computing for engineering students across North Karnataka, a six-month certificate course for science graduates, and intensive industry training. Notably, IIIT-Dharwad’s BTech students are already engaged in applied quantum research—developing a reusable carbon-emission filter and a breast cancer detection model—demonstrating early practical application.
This expansion isn’t just about research; it’s about decentralizing Karnataka’s tech leadership. By establishing quantum hubs in cities like Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, and Mysuru, the state aims to stimulate local economies and foster innovation.
