Science & Technology, India (Commonwealth Union) – Quantum technologies are on the brink of transforming our world. The power of quantum computing, the security of quantum communication, and the precision of quantum sensors hold the key to solving some of the most complex problems humanity faces. As these technologies mature and become more accessible, their influence will extend to virtually every aspect of our lives, making the impossible possible and reshaping our future.
Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) has entered into a partnership with the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to establish a one-of-a-kind Quantum Technology Lab. This initiative aligns with SSIR’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and is designed to offer research and training opportunities to numerous faculty members and hundreds of students pursuing higher education. These opportunities extend to individuals not only within IISc but also across various educational institutions, with a particular emphasis on the fields of physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. The Quantum Technology Lab, under the leadership of Mayank Shrivastava, Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering (DESE), aspires to become a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing quantum technologies.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized through an exchange between Balajee Sowrirajan, Chief Vice President and Managing Director of SSIR, and Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc. This lab will function as a hub for technological innovation, training the workforce, and fostering collaborations with both national and international quantum research institutions. With a primary focus on the development of indigenous quantum technologies, it will make substantial contributions towards local development and elevate India’s research innovations to a prominent position on the global stage.
“Our partnership with IISc for the establishment of the Quantum Technology Lab is to spearhead breakthroughs in quantum technologies, by empowering skilled workforce, fostering a collaborative innovation, strengthening national competitiveness, and transforming industries with significant societal impact. The technology scale-up will propel India’s focus on quantum innovation and excellence in the global technology landscape,” explained Balajee Sowrirajan who is a CVP & MD of SSIR.
The laboratory will offer students who are engaged in higher education, especially those specializing in physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics, exceptional chances to gain practical training, research exposure, and skill refinement in the realm of quantum technologies. This endeavor will significantly bolster their prospects for employment and career advancement. Likewise, researchers and scientists involved in quantum research will reap the rewards of state-of-the-art infrastructure, a collaborative atmosphere, and access to cutting-edge resources. These provisions will empower them to push the boundaries of knowledge and make substantial contributions to their field. Moreover, the lab will extend its support by providing resources to faculty members from various colleges and institutions who may lack the means to engage in research that demands substantial capital investment.
Professor Govindan Rangarajan from the IISc made a stetment on this partnership, saying “IISc has emerged as a leading hub for quantum technologies research. This new Quantum Technology Lab at IISc highlights our commitment to emerging and futuristic research threads. This collaboration with SSIR will strengthen the Institute’s cutting-edge infrastructure and expertise, providing our students and researchers with a unique opportunity to explore the limitless possibilities of quantum technologies.”
The Quantum Technology Lab will incorporate a cryogenic control chip alongside qubits, single photon sources, and detectors, with a focus on resolving reliability issues in the realm of quantum technologies. This facility will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, fostering partnerships with industry, and facilitating the sharing of knowledge. These efforts will cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for innovation. The lab’s importance transcends mere scientific progress; it will also empower India to compete on the global stage and harness the potential of quantum technologies for socio-economic advancement.
