Thirty four global scientists back Karnataka’s quantum material initiative

Karnataka’s ambitious "Quantum City" project received a major international boost as 34 leading scientists from institutions including MIT, Oxford, and Princeton formally endorsed the State’s Quantum Materials Innovation Network (Q-MINt).

In a letter to Science and Technology Minister N S Boseraju, the global experts hailed the initiative as a critical foundation for next-generation computing and communication.

The endorsement follows the recent "Frontiers in Quantum Condensed Matter Physics" conference held at ICTS-TIFR.

Minister Boseraju stated that the backing validates Karnataka’s goal of building a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035. "Through Q-MINt, we aim to create a robust ecosystem for advanced research and manufacturing," he said, noting the project’s potential for job creation and technological self-reliance.

The signatories, which also include researchers from IISc, TIFR, and Columbia University, emphasised that the Q-MINt initiative will be a key pillar in positioning Bengaluru as a global quantum hub.

The experts recommended establishing a centralised Quantum Materials Foundry, developing integrated computational and data science infrastructure, and launching phased pilot projects to build research confidence and strengthen the overall innovation ecosystem.