In the heart of Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, a new kind of revolution is quietly taking shape—not in steel and concrete, but in atoms and qubits. The city is poised to host India’s first Quantum Valley, anchored by a proposed full-scale quantum computing facility from IBM. If realised, the installation of IBM Quantum System Two would represent the most powerful quantum computer ever deployed on Indian soil. More than just a technological upgrade, this initiative signals India’s intent to join the global race in next-generation computing.

IBM Quantum System Two: A Technological Leap

Discussions between IBM and the Andhra Pradesh government are at an advanced stage, with the Quantum Valley Tech Park in Amaravati expected to house the cutting-edge IBM Quantum System Two. Powered by IBM’s most advanced superconducting quantum processor, the system would enable researchers and industries to explore computational problems previously considered unsolvable. Unlike conventional data centres filled with racks of servers, a quantum computer operates in a highly controlled environment. The processor sits inside a dilution refrigerator, operating at temperatures close to absolute zero—colder than outer space—to maintain superconductivity and reduce noise interference. It would provide India with hands-on access to advanced quantum hardware, bridging the gap between research theory and real-world application.

How Quantum Computing Changes the Rules

To understand the significance of Quantum Valley, it is essential to understand how quantum computers differ from classical ones. Traditional computers rely on binary bits, which can be either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to the principles of superposition and entanglement. This ability allows quantum machines to process vast combinations of possibilities at once. Problems that would take classical supercomputers years to compute could potentially be solved in minutes or hours with quantum technology. Applications span across industries. In healthcare, quantum computing can accelerate drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions. In energy, it can optimise battery chemistry and materials science. In climate science, it can model complex environmental systems with higher precision. Logistics, financial modelling, and artificial intelligence also stand to benefit. For India’s growing technology and pharmaceutical sectors, such capabilities could unlock unprecedented innovation.

Partnership with TCS and Building a Quantum Workforce

The Quantum Valley initiative is not limited to hardware installation. Tata Consultancy Services has joined the effort to develop quantum algorithms, applications, and workforce skills. This partnership is critical. Quantum hardware alone cannot create impact without skilled researchers and developers who understand how to write quantum algorithms. By focusing on training, Amaravati aims to cultivate a domestic quantum-ready workforce. The facility is expected to support collaboration among industry, academia, and government research institutions. Universities may gain access to cutting-edge infrastructure, while startups could experiment with quantum applications without needing to build their own systems. For young engineering students in Andhra Pradesh, the presence of Quantum Valley could mean internships, research fellowships, and career opportunities once available only abroad.

The National Quantum Mission Framework

India’s quantum push is structured under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved in April 2023 with an allocation of Rs 6,003 crore for the period 2023–24 to 2030–31. The mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers ranging from 50 to 1,000 qubits, alongside advancements in quantum communication, sensing, and materials research. The Amaravati Quantum Valley is expected to complement this mission by translating laboratory research into industrial and commercial capability. While government-backed thematic hubs focus on research, Quantum Valley could act as a bridge to market applications and job creation. By anchoring advanced quantum infrastructure domestically, India aims to reduce technological dependency and strengthen its innovation ecosystem.

India’s Quantum Moment

Globally, quantum technology is seen as the next frontier after artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. Countries such as the United States, China, and members of the European Union are investing heavily in quantum research. By establishing Quantum Valley in Amaravati, India signals that it intends to compete at the highest technological level. Retaining intellectual property, building domestic capability, and fostering innovation ecosystems are central to this ambition. If successfully implemented, IBM Quantum System Two in Amaravati could mark a defining chapter in India’s technological journey—one where cutting-edge science meets regional development and national strategy. As qubits replace bits and research meets real-world application, Amaravati may soon be known not only as a capital city but also as India’s quantum capital.