Bengaluru’s quantum startup, QpiAI, has signed another contract with IIIT Dharwad to install its 25-qubit QpiAI Indus quantum computing system at the Quantum and AI Computing Centre of Excellence at IIIT Dharwad. This centre is jointly accessed by IIIT Raichur. The new system will replace the earlier-planned 8-qubit machine, announced for deployment at IIIT Dharwad during the Quantum India Bengaluru event.
The installation marks the company’s second quantum computing deployment in Karnataka, adding to the 8-qubit one announced at Alliance University. The aim is to expand access to quantum infrastructure for academia and industry in India.
QpiAI Founder and CEO Nagendra Nagaraja said the project represents a milestone for the company and India’s 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.
This also adds to QpiAI’s other installations across the country, such as the ones announced for the upcoming Amravati quantum valley in Andhra Pradesh. Moreover, in an earlier exclusive interaction with AIM, Nagaraja said that, as an Indian company, it is its duty to support ambitious quantum initiatives across the country while continuing to invest heavily in Karnataka.
The deployment will support curriculum development, workshops, student training, faculty research, and 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 roadmap.
“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 two quantum computing installations and aims to prepare its youth for global opportunities.
Science and Technology Minister NS Boseraju said the deployment marks an important moment for applied science in the state. He noted that embedding quantum systems in academic institutions will enable research, experimentation, and discovery within local laboratories.
In a previous interview with AIM, Boseraju said that the government intends to provide “prime land” in Bengaluru for a quantum chip foundry, which would be part of a larger plan to establish the “quantum city of Bengaluru”.
QpiAI will also assist users in developing applications and operationalising quantum use cases across research and industry engagements. Details on commissioning timelines and user access will be announced later.
SR Mahadeva Prasanna, Director at IIIT Dharwad, said the system will give students and researchers practical experience with quantum systems. It will also support collaborations with industry on commercial workloads.
Prasanna also acknowledged that tier-2 cities still lag behind metros in social and professional factors, as reported earlier by AIM. Nevertheless, he mentioned, “We are going to train those who can go and teach the courses in their colleges.” Alongside this, the institute aims to train undergraduate and postgraduate students from the region, before expanding statewide.
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