Karnataka Invites Global Collaboration to Build $20 Billion Quantum Economy, Partners with ETH Zurich

Bengaluru, October 18, 2025 – Karnataka actively seeks global partners to develop quantum technologies, targeting a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035. The state positions Bengaluru as a leading hub for quantum research, innovation, and commercialization, leveraging its robust tech ecosystem.

Driving a Quantum-Powered Future

Karnataka aligns its strategy with India’s National Quantum Mission, investing heavily in infrastructure and talent. The state commits Rs 1,000 crore to quantum development and allocates Rs 48 crore to advance research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). IISc’s Quantum Research Park supports over 55 projects, 13 startups, and trains more than 1,000 professionals yearly. The initiative targets applications in defense, healthcare, cybersecurity, and other sectors.

Karnataka plans ‘Q-City,’ a quantum technology zone with R&D facilities, manufacturing units, incubators, and collaborative workspaces to accelerate market-ready solutions. The government has cleared land for this project, unveiling Phase One plans recently. This effort will create over 200,000 jobs.

Showcasing Plans in Geneva

At the Swissnex Quantum Summit on October 13, 2025, Minister N.S. Boseraju keynoted on Karnataka’s quantum roadmap, inviting global collaboration. Held at Campus Biotech with EPFL, the summit connected leaders from ETH Zurich and IISc to drive quantum breakthroughs.

During the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) Summit at CERN Science Gateway (October 15-17, 2025), Boseraju held high-level talks to advance these goals. He emphasized, “Karnataka champions collaborative innovation. We urge researchers, institutions, and industries worldwide to join us in shaping quantum technologies’ future.”

Partnering with ETH Zurich

Karnataka’s new partnership with ETH Zurich, a leader in physics and quantum computing, marks a milestone. At the GESDA Summit, Boseraju met Dr. Michael Hengartner, ETH Zurich Board President, to discuss joint initiatives. The collaboration includes academic exchanges, research fellowships, and projects, granting Indian researchers access to cutting-edge technologies.

The proposed ‘ETH–Karnataka Quantum Collaboration Centre’ in Bengaluru, partnered with IISc, will connect local researchers, entrepreneurs, and students with global quantum leaders. Dr. Hengartner welcomed the proposal.

Boseraju stated, “Karnataka aims to place India at the forefront of the quantum and deep-tech revolution. Partnering with ETH Zurich and OQI will fast-track Bengaluru’s rise as a global quantum innovation hub.”

Expanding Collaborations and Next Steps

Boseraju also engaged with the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) for knowledge exchange and discussed policy support with Prof. Ajay Sood, India’s Principal Scientific Adviser. Building on the Quantum India Summit 2025 in Bengaluru, which attracted over 2,000 participants, including two Nobel laureates, Karnataka strengthens its quantum ecosystem to drive economic and technological growth.