MC Interview: 'Karnataka unfazed by Andhra in Quantum race; Bengaluru gives us edge,' says Minister NS Boseraju

Karnataka is racing ahead in quantum computing with a clear roadmap, a Quantum City at Hesaraghatta in Bengaluru, and plans for a Science City, says Karnataka Minister of Science & Technology and Minor Irrigation, NS Boseraju. In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Boseraju said Bengaluru’s ecosystem of institutions, startups, and talent gives the state an unmatched edge over others.

Excerpts from a chat

How do you see Andhra as competition in Quantum?

I welcome healthy competition among states. Amaravati now offers only land. It will take years to catch up with us. Bengaluru has a complete ecosystem with Indian Institute of Science, International Institute of Information Technology, startups, industries, consumers and collaborators. Quantum City at Hesaraghatta in Bengaluru, anchored by IISc, will make Bengaluru the country’s quantum hub.

Also, read: Karnataka-Andhra IT ministers spar: ‘Competition welcome, we thrive on it,’ Priyank Kharge's retort to Nara Lokesh

What’s the status of Quantum City?

The state government has approved 6 acres and the DPR is ready. A task force of experts, including IISc, will anchor the project. Phase I (6acres) will host hardware manufacturing (FabLine), shared R&D labs, a secure quantum cloud, and incubation for startups. Core works will start by year-end and phased construction will allow MSMEs, suppliers, and innovators to integrate step-by-step. Our vision is to make Karnataka a quantum powerhouse by centralising capability, policy support, and market access in one location (Hessarghatta), guided by the Quantum Task Force to benefit industry, academia, startups, and MSMEs from day one.

Also, read: Karnataka to get 'Quantum City', 6.17 acres sanctioned in Bengaluru

What is Karnataka’s roadmap toward a USD 20 billion quantum economy by 2035?

Our roadmap consists of four phases: first, building base infrastructure with Q-City, Hardware Park, FabLine, and workforce development; second, driving translational R&D in secure communications, health, water resilience, and climate; third, focusing on full-scale manufacturing, commercialisation, and MSME integration; and finally, positioning Karnataka as a global quantum export hub.

Also, read: Andhra Pradesh to build South Asia's first 'Quantum Valley'; CM Naidu leading quantum revolution: IT Minister Lokesh

What is the status of quantum chip fabrication?

QpiAi, a homegrown deep-tech company integrating AI and quantum computing, is scaling from 26-qubit to 64-qubit systems. The recent State High-Level Clearance Committee has approved QpiAi's Quantum Supremacy Centre in Bengaluru Rural with a Rs 1,136 crore investment which will enhance computing, sensing, and communication capabilities.

What is the status of Rs 1,000 crore Karnataka Quantum Mission?

The Rs 1,000 crore Karnataka Quantum Mission fund will be released in phases, guided by the Quantum Task Force, with early spending on infrastructure- labs, FabLine, and cloud access- and later tranches supporting R&D, pilots, startups, fellowships, and skilling to develop talent, IP, and export-ready products.

Also, read: Toyota, Reliance Consumer Products among 13 companies to invest Rs 27,607 crore in Karnataka, creating 8,704 jobs

What are the Swiss collaborations and partnerships?

I recently led the state delegation to Switzerland, meeting ETH Zürich, Quantum Basel, the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN, and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA). We discussed pilot SDG-aligned projects, science diplomacy workshops, and a civilian-purpose quantum node in Q-City. Follow-ups are planned to formalise these collaborations and strengthen Karnataka’s quantum ecosystem.

What are the plans beyond Bengaluru?

Tier-2 Centres of Excellence and vendor nodes are being planned in Belagavi, Mysuru, and Kalaburagi, while Q-City remains the anchor. Land and infrastructure will be provided anywhere in Karnataka wherever entrepreneurs show interest. Science centres, mobile planetariums, and telescopes will be set up across districts to inspire students.

What is the status of Science City?

DPR is ready, and 25 acres of land near Bengaluru airport have been identified. The project will be implemented under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) of the National Council of Science Museums at a cost of Rs 280 crore. We have also requested the Centre to sanction a Quantum Materials Centre, and I have already discussed this with the Chief Minister.

Also, read: Taare Zameen Par: Karnataka to resume ‘mobile planetarium’ project, floats tender