The Maharashtra government has decided to implement a Maharashtra Quantum Technology Mission in alignment with the Centre’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), with a focus on creating skilled human resources and infrastructure for future technologies.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said the initiative aims to prepare industry-ready manpower in emerging areas such as quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum materials. Following his directives, the Directorate of Technical Education has submitted a proposal to develop skilled manpower, research capabilities and infrastructure in quantum technology across the state.
Hub-and-spoke model to strengthen quantum research and training
The mission will be implemented using a Hub-and-Spoke model, with IISER Pune’s I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation serving as the central hub. Key participating institutions include COEP Technological University, Pune; Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere; Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai; and Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur.
Quantum technology-related subjects will be introduced in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. The government also plans to establish quantum simulation laboratories and conduct specialised training programmes for faculty and students.
Three-phase rollout
The mission will be implemented in phases. Phase 1 (2026-2028) will involve an allocation of around Rs 20 crore for faculty training, curriculum development, infrastructure creation, establishment of quantum laboratories and pilot training programmes. Phase 2 will require approximately Rs 300 crore for research projects, PhD and post-doctoral training, patent registration and incentives for industry collaboration. Phase 3, with an estimated outlay of Rs 200 crore, will focus on commercialisation of technologies, startup creation and employment generation.
According to government estimates and industry projections, quantum technology could generate around 25,000 jobs annually in the coming years. The state has set a target of training over 50,000 quantum-skilled engineers and experts.
Over five lakh students, faculty register for quantum courses in Maharashtra
To introduce quantum technology at an early stage, students and faculty are being encouraged to enrol in courses offered on platforms such as SWAYAM and NPTEL. More than five lakh students and faculty from Maharashtra have registered for three-credit quantum-related courses offered by institutions including IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, IISER Kolkata and IIT Kanpur.
The government said the mission will not rely solely on public funding and will mobilise resources through CSR initiatives, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and central government schemes to ensure financial sustainability.
The Maharashtra Quantum Technology Mission is aligned with the state’s long-term vision of Viksit Maharashtra 2047 and aims to position Maharashtra as a leading state in quantum technology, Patil said.
