Maharashtra's Push for Quantum Technology Development
Chandrakant Patil emphasizes the need for Maharashtra to enhance its quantum technology capabilities to secure India's future by 2047.
Maharashtra aims to strengthen research in quantum technology.
Over 90% of global tech firms are led by individuals of Indian origin.
DBATU hosts Qiskit Fall Fest to promote quantum computing education.
In a significant call to action, Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil, highlighted the necessity for the state to bolster its research capabilities in quantum technology. Speaking at the inauguration of the Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU) in Raigad district, Patil asserted that if India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047, it must prioritize exposure to quantum technology for students and educational institutions.
Patil pointed out that many countries have achieved wealth through research, patents, and royalties, stressing that India must reclaim its position in the technological landscape. He emphasized the importance of integrating quantum technology into college curricula and expressed his commitment to addressing any shortcomings in governmental support for universities. Additionally, he urged DBATU to evolve into a comprehensive campus university and a leading research center.
During the event, Amol Mahamuni from NASSCOM-AI discussed the transformative potential of quantum computing, particularly in enhancing computational capabilities and the importance of post-quantum cryptography for startups. He remarked that India should not merely be a consumer of quantum technology but should strive to develop it independently, advocating for partnerships with major tech companies to accelerate progress.
DBATU's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Rajnish Kamat, reflected on India's previous missed opportunities in hardware manufacturing, cautioning against repeating past mistakes as the nation now focuses on future technologies, including chips and software. He noted the university's advancements in education and research, which are crucial for harnessing emerging technologies.
Dr. Vinod Mohitkar, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the collaborative efforts needed among government, educational institutions, research organizations, and industry to advance engineering and emerging technologies. He mentioned Maharashtra's Quantum Mission, aligning with the national initiative, and highlighted that over 50,000 teachers and students completed online quantum technology courses last year, showcasing a commitment to expanding knowledge in this field. The Qiskit Fall Fest at DBATU marks a pivotal step in providing practical exposure to quantum computing, with guidance from experts from IBM, the Max Planck research network, and IISER.
