The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad (IIIT-Dharwad) has been selected to host Karnataka’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Quantum AI and Computing outside Bengaluru, marking a major push to expand advanced research and talent development into emerging tech hubs across the state. The government has approved ₹18 crore under the LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Programme) to set up the research facility on campus.
A Strategic Bet on Quantum Futures
The new CoE will house a state-of-the-art quantum research lab aimed at accelerating high-end research in quantum computing, a technology expected to transform sectors such as healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, mobility, and materials science. IIIT-D director Prof. Mahadev Prasanna said the institute is positioned to become one of India’s leading quantum research centres within five years, aligning with the Union Government’s National Quantum Mission.
The institute was chosen after IT & BT minister Priyank Kharge reviewed its infrastructure and recommended it to the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, and the Science & Technology Ministry for inclusion under LEAP.
Training India’s Next Quantum Workforce
The CoE will run multiple academic and professional programs to build scalable human capital:
A two-year minor in Quantum AI & Computing for engineering students across North Karnataka
A six-month certificate programme for science graduates
A one-month advanced training programme for industry professionals
The goal is to train at least 1,000 specialists in quantum computing and quantum AI.
The initiative complements Karnataka’s broader plan to spread advanced digital skilling and R&D capacity beyond Bengaluru to hubs including Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Shivamogga, Mysuru, and Mangaluru. The state government has earmarked ₹1,000 crore for LEAP in the current budget.
Applied Research for Real-World Impact
Prof. Ashwath Babu noted that quantum computing can solve complex, real-time problems that traditional computing struggles with. Key application areas include:
Medical imaging and drug discovery
High-precision cybersecurity
Mobility optimization
Materials and climate modelling
IIIT-D students have already begun working on such high-impact projects, including a reusable carbon-emission filter for vehicles and a breast cancer detection model.
A Regional Technology Catalyst
According to LEAP programme representative Venkatesh Deshpande, the CoE is part of Karnataka’s strategy to build deep-tech strength across regions. By bringing quantum infrastructure and talent development to Dharwad, the state aims to reduce the concentration of research capabilities in Bengaluru and cultivate multiple innovation clusters.
The CoE is expected to serve academia, industry, and government stakeholders, positioning North Karnataka as a rising centre for quantum research and next-generation computing.
