Tech Mahindra has previously made moves to solidify India’s nascent quantum computing field by investing in quantum research and development. Now, they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Finnish quantum computing firm IQM to work together on advancing the field in India.

This partnership will involve knowledge transfer between the two on topics such as cryptography, communication technologies, and the application of quantum computing in fields like healthcare and cybersecurity. It brings together Tech Mahindra’s experience and knowledge in the software side of quantum computing and IQM’s expertise in creating and building quantum hardware.

To this end, Tech Mahindra had also collaborated with Mahindra University earlier this year to conduct more research into quantum computing and explainable AI, among other subjects. The company has also delved into the ways that quantum computing can disrupt current computing systems such as those used in banking and encryption. 

The R&D branch of Tech Mahindra, known as Makers Lab, has 10 excellence centres worldwide, with the facility at Mahindra University being the 11th. Makers Lab has also set up a centre of excellence in Helsinki to leverage Finland’s expertise in quantum computing. Tech Mahindra MD and CEO CP Gurnani had this to say about their focus on quantum technologies.

“Quantum physics clearly shows that there is always this inflection point and then after that, either the current hardware or the quant developers will be able to suddenly create magic.”

Tech Mahindra aims to use quantum computing to design drugs, as quantum architecture is much better suited to create molecule designs than AI systems. They are also aiming to deploy quantum computing technology in fintech, as it will enable better fraud detection and portfolio optimisation. They have also invested heavily in their NXT.NOW framework, which targets emerging technologies like quantum computing to enhance the human experience. 

IQM is a company that specialises in creating and deploying quantum hardware for enterprises and research labs alike. IQM first focused on India as a part of the Indian government’s quantum tech mission announced in 2019. They have conducted deep research into creating superconducting quantum hardware, and leveraged this technology to create a commercial 54-qubit quantum computer; the first of its kind in Finland. 

Earlier this year, the Indian government signed a joint declaration with Finland for establishing a virtual centre centred on quantum computing research. S Chandrasekhar, secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), said, 

“India is a strong believer in collaborations rather than competition. So, we don’t want to compete with anyone. Instead, we would like to collaborate and bring synergies together to reach our endpoint as quickly as possible. I do believe that quantum is yet another tool we are going to have in our hand, which we will use for the betterment of humankind.”