Bengaluru : Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru has inaugurated the Manipal House of Quantum, Quantum-Hub@MAHE, a new facility aimed at advancing quantum computing research, engineering education and indigenous technology development in India.
Established by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the facility is designed to provide students, researchers and industry partners with hands-on access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure. The initiative aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission and aims to strengthen the country’s emerging quantum technology ecosystem.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-Founder of Zoho Corp, as the chief guest, and Dr. Marcus Rommel, CTO of ConScience, as the guest of honour. Senior MAHE officials, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Sharath K. Rao and MIT Bengaluru Director Prof. Iven Jose, were also present.
25-Qubit Quantum System Marks First Phase
The facility has commenced operations with a 25-qubit open-architecture dilution refrigeration system, providing a platform for advanced training, experimentation and research in quantum computing.
According to the institute, the project will follow a phased development roadmap, progressing from systems with fewer than 50 qubits to 150-qubit proof-of-concept platforms, with a long-term goal of developing industrial-grade quantum product systems exceeding 1,000 qubits.
The infrastructure will support research and experimentation in quantum hardware, cryogenic systems, quantum control technologies and quantum processing unit (QPU) measurements. It is also expected to facilitate component innovation, testing, translational research and deep-tech start-up incubation.
International Collaborations to Strengthen Quantum Engineering
MIT Bengaluru has formalised collaborations with QuantrolOx of Finland, in association with Bluefors of Finland, Qblox of the Netherlands and ConScience of Sweden. The partnerships will focus on workforce development, hardware experimentation, intellectual property co-development and the establishment of national testing infrastructure.
Ahead of the inauguration, faculty members and students from MAHE’s Bengaluru and Manipal campuses underwent specialised training at MIT Bengaluru and the QuantrolOx laboratory at QuTech, TU Delft, in the Netherlands. The training covered dilution refrigerator assembly, cryogenic systems, quantum control technologies, QPU measurements and superconducting quantum hardware.
Target to Train 100 Quantum Engineers by December
As part of its workforce development programme, the facility aims to train 100 quantum engineers by December 2026. It will also organise quantum awareness programmes, hands-on training sessions and capacity-building initiatives for technical professionals.
The institute plans to conduct summer and winter camps for Class 10 and Class 12 students across rural India, introducing young learners to quantum technologies and emerging opportunities in the field.
The facility is expected to support research with potential applications in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, oncology, aerospace and advanced computing. By providing access to specialised testing and measurement infrastructure, it also aims to strengthen collaboration among academic institutions, start-ups and industry partners.
Quantum Computing Can Open New Possibilities for India
Speaking at the inauguration, Zoho Corp Chief Scientist and Co-Founder Dr. Sridhar Vembu said the hub would provide students with an environment to develop ideas and turn them into practical innovations. He noted that quantum computing could enable the next generation to build new machines, develop breakthrough applications and contribute to India’s technological progress.
MAHE Vice Chancellor Dr. Sharath K. Rao said the initiative reflected the institution’s commitment to strengthening advanced scientific capabilities and nurturing talent in emerging technologies.
MAHE Bengaluru Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan highlighted the hub’s role in bringing education, research and innovation together, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and translating academic research into real-world applications.
MIT Bengaluru Director Prof. Iven Jose said the facility would give students and researchers valuable exposure to real quantum systems and engineering environments, helping develop the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers and innovators.
With its new quantum infrastructure, international industry partnerships and training programmes, MIT Bengaluru aims to contribute to India’s efforts to build domestic expertise and capabilities in quantum computing and hardware development.
