Karnataka bets big on emerging tech: Bengaluru to host Quantum Summit

Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge, Karnataka Science & Technology Minister N.S. Boseraju, and IT-BT Secretary Ekroop Caur (L to R).

Karnataka is betting big on emerging technology, with Bengaluru set to host a quantum summit later in the year.

The Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), which comes under the department of electronics, information technology, biotechnology, and science & technology, is planning a quantum summit in August.

"We are planning to organise ‘Bengaluru India Quantum Summit’ in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, in August 2025. We also intend to invite three Nobel laureates for the event, and their names are being finalised,” Ekroop Caur, secretary, department of electronics, information technology, biotechnology, and science & technology, told Moneycontrol.

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The summit will showcase opportunities and strengths in quantum computation, quantum communications, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials in Karnataka.

The summit is planned as a biennial, to be held in 2025, 2027, and 2029.

"Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, is a significant player in India's emerging quantum technologies landscape… the state has made strides in creating quantum research, development, and commercialisation through a combination of government initiatives, partnerships, and a thriving startup ecosystem," Caur said.

The event will have diverse activities such as a multi-track conference, exhibition, poster presentations, awards, and networking events.

Also read: Karnataka Budget proposes AI Cell for governance, allocates Rs 50 Cr for Centre for Applied AI

Karnataka will unveil a new IT policy this year, with focus on cloud computing and emerging technologies while expanding the state's tech footprint to tier 2 and 3 cities, official said.

The Karnataka government, in collaboration with IISc, has already set up a Quantum Research Park (QuRP), a hub for quantum computing and related technologies. Administered by the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) at IISc with support from the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), QuRP aims to encourage scientific inventions and innovations in quantum computing and related fields.

In his budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah said Quantum Research Park Phase-2 will be set up with a grant of Rs 48 crore over the next three years in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru to promote the development of quantum technology.

Quantum computing is important because it enables exponentially faster problem-solving for critical fields like cryptography, AI, and scientific research.  The quantum summit is expected to have 40 speakers and over 300 registered delegates. It is expected to host around 50 exhibitors from industries, R&D institutions, startups, and the government. The event also expects 2,000 visitors and representation from around 10 countries.

Also read: Govt to work with TCS, HCL, others for Rs 6,000 crore quantum tech scheme