Swiss Companies, Research Institutions Show Interest in Karnataka’s Quantum City Development and Partnership: Minister N.S. Boseraju

Minister visits leading Quantum research institutions.

Global companies briefed on investment opportunities in the state.

Bengaluru Express
BENGALURU, Oct. 29: Swiss companies and key research institutions in the Quantum technology sector have responded positively to partnership opportunities in the proposed Quantum City in Bengaluru, stated N.S. Boseraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology.

Addressing a press conference at Vikas Soudha Wednesday, the Minister shared insights from his recent official visit to Switzerland.

Investment Invitation for Quantum City:

The Government of Karnataka is implementing several programs aimed at establishing Bengaluru as the global focal point for the Quantum sector. Following the announcement at the country’s first Quantum conference, the State Government has already allocated land for the Quantum City.

Discussions concerning the City’s development were held with representatives from leading global Quantum research institutions, including ETH Zurich and CERN. The Minister noted that Karnataka, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has initiated courses to develop skilled Quantum human resources. He emphasized the availability of expert talent and a conducive environment for new research in the state.

“Dr. Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Zurich Board, responded positively to our request for cooperation in research projects,” the Minister stated.

Karnataka was participated in the Swissnex Quantum Summit, where the delegation provided comprehensive information on investment opportunities to representatives of major global Quantum companies. A demonstration of the proposed Quantum City was also showcased. The Minister highlighted Bengaluru’s technological potential, availability of human resources, the favorable investment climate, and the excellent support provided by the State Government, extending an official invitation for global companies to invest in the state.

Key Visits: Quantum Basel, CERN, ETH Zurich, and Zurich Instruments

The delegation visited ETH Zurich, the institution famously associated with Albert Einstein’s research. The Minister extended an invitation to world-renowned directors of the ETH Zurich Quantum Center—Prof. Andreas Wallraff, Prof. Jonathan Home, and Prof. Klaus Ensslin—pioneers in superconducting qubits and trapped ion systems research for over twenty years, to attend the upcoming Quantum India Conference.

The Minister noted that several research innovations at ETH Zurich University’s laboratories have successfully transitioned into startups. The Minister received a positive response regarding the adoption of a similar ecosystem within the Quantum City and the request for collaboration.

During the visit to Zurich Instruments, information was gathered on the manufacture of essential instrumentation required for Quantum Computing development. The Minister further announced that this institution has agreed to provide training to research students from Karnataka.

While participating in the Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Summit in Geneva, Minister Boseraju met with Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. They discussed the necessary advice and support required to realise the state’s Quantum vision. The Minister also briefed Prof. Sood on the ongoing meetings with prominent research institutions across other countries.

Also present at the press conference were Sadashiva Prabhu, Managing Director of KSTEPs, and Veerabhadra Hanchinal, Private Secretary to the Minister.