Silicon Valley-esque Ambitions in Karnataka: Minister NS Boseraju Discloses Plans for $20 Billion Tech-oriented Future
Karnataka, a leading state in India's technology sector, is taking bold steps to establish itself as the Quantum Capital of Asia. The state's ambitious Quantum Vision 2035 plan aims to create a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035, generating over 10,000 high-skilled jobs and positioning Karnataka at the forefront of the global quantum revolution.
Quantum City (Q-City)
At the heart of this vision is Q-City, an integrated quantum innovation hub that will serve as a dedicated quantum technology park. Similar to how Bengaluru became a global IT hub, Q-City will foster innovation, manufacturing, and startups in the field of quantum technology. Key features of Q-City include India’s first Quantum Hardware Park, Innovation Zones, and a chip fabrication facility (FabLine) for quantum components.
Expanding Innovation Across Cities
While Bengaluru will be the hub of Q-City, the plan also promotes innovation in other Karnataka cities such as Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Mangaluru. These cities will be developed as part of the overall quantum ecosystem, including setting up innovation zones and fostering startups.
Talent Development and R&D
The Karnataka Quantum Mission (KQM) is a key player in this initiative. With a ₹1,000 crore (about $114 million) fund, the KQM focuses on five pillars: talent development, research and development (R&D), infrastructure creation, industry support, and global partnerships. The mission includes quantum skilling programs across more than 20 colleges, support for 150 PhD fellowships annually, and aims to develop advanced quantum systems such as a 1,000-qubit processor by around 2030.
Applications and Partnerships
The vision aligns with India's National Quantum Mission and focuses on translating quantum research into real-world applications in healthcare, defense, finance, and governance. This alignment cements Karnataka’s leadership in the quantum sector globally.
Education and Public Engagement
To deepen public engagement with frontier science, including quantum phenomena and AI applications, the 'Science City' in Karnataka will feature interactive exhibits. Mobile science vans and regional science centres will carry these narratives to underserved districts. Telescopes will be distributed to schools for practical learning in astronomy. Teachers will undergo structured training for operating and integrating these telescopes into lesson plans.
STREAM Labs
STREAM Labs are being set up in schools for experiential learning in Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Each STREAM Lab will have modular equipment for experiments, robotics kits, 3D printing tools, and digital resources. STREAM Labs will focus on coding, AI basics, and design thinking to prepare students for the future.
Karnataka's Strengths
Karnataka's strength in the technology sector is evident. The state accounts for more than 40% of electronics and R&D exports. Bengaluru's share in the state's IT exports is significant, contributing 35-40% to India's IT exports. The Quantum Research Park at IISc anchors cutting-edge R&D under Karnataka’s Quantum Vision 2035.
Looking Forward
With the establishment of Q-City, the development of innovation corridors in key cities, and a focus on talent development, R&D, and industry support, Karnataka is well on its way to becoming the Quantum Capital of Asia. The state's comprehensive approach, investing in infrastructure, talent, industry, and innovation across multiple cities, promises a vibrant future for the quantum economy.
- Karnataka's ambition to create a $20 billion quantum economy extends beyond Q-City, involving the development of innovation zones and fostering startups in cities like Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Mangaluru.
- The Karnataka Quantum Mission (KQM) is a crucial component of Karnataka's quantum strategy, dedicating resources to talent development, research and development (R&D), infrastructure creation, industry support, and global partnerships.
- The quantum economy in Karnataka aims to bring real-world applications of quantum research to various sectors, such as healthcare, defense, finance, and governance, aligning with India's National Quantum Mission and positioning Karnataka at the forefront of the global quantum revolution.
