The new Section 8 company will serve as the Quantum Computing Thematic Hub at IISc under the Union Govt’s National Quantum Mission

BENGALURU: IISc has set up a not-for-profit company to help build India’s capabilities in quantum computing, a technology expected to play a role in areas ranging from scientific research and industry to computing and communications in the coming years.Called the Foundation for QC Innovation (FQCI), the new Section 8 company will serve as the Quantum Computing Thematic Hub at IISc under the Union Govt’s National Quantum Mission.It’s one of four thematic hubs set up under the mission and will bring together researchers, academic institutions, industry and startups to develop quantum computing technologies in India.Quantum computers use the principles of quantum physics to process certain kinds of information differently from conventional computers. While the technology is still at an early stage, countries and companies around the world are investing heavily in it because of its potential to solve some problems that are difficult for existing computers.At IISc, the new hub will work across several approaches to building quantum computers, including systems based on light particles, superconducting circuits, semiconductor devices, neutral atoms and trapped ions. It will also work on quantum algorithms.“The National Quantum Mission provides a unique opportunity to build a strong and globally competitive quantum computing ecosystem in India. Our focus is on bringing together India’s research capabilities, advanced infrastructure, industry and entrepreneurial talent to translate cutting-edge research into indigenous quantum computing technologies and applications,” Shankar Kumar Selvaraja, project director, FQCI and professor, Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc, said.

A major part of the initiative will be the creation of shared facilities for making, testing and characterising quantum devices. The aim is to give researchers and companies access to infrastructure that can help move laboratory research towards working technologies.“FQCI will also focus on building the workforce and startup ecosystem required for the sector. Its programmes will support student research and internships, industry-academia collaboration, startup development and knowledge-sharing. The initiative has launched programmes called QC Rise, QC Bridge, QC Leap, QC Accel and QC Quest as part of these efforts,” IISc said.The larger goal, it added, was to reduce dependence on overseas technology by developing quantum computing capabilities within the country.