QpiAI to install 8-qubit quantum computer at PDEU in Gujarat
QpiAI and PDEU have signed an MoU to establish a Quantum Centre of Excellence, with an 8-qubit system supporting quantum education, training and research in Gujarat.
Bengaluru-based QpiAI will install an 8-qubit quantum computer at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), a private university in Gujarat, under a new memorandum of understanding. The two institutions will also establish a Quantum Centre of Excellence.
The move could support education, research, and workforce development as India builds its domestic quantum technology ecosystem.
Under the agreement, QpiAI will install its QVidya system at the university, alongside software, application libraries and an interface with PDEU’s computing systems. Users outside the university will also be able to access the system through QpiAI’s cloud platform.
QpiAI founder and chief executive Dr Nagendra Nagaraja linked the initiative to Gujarat’s industrial profile.
“Gujarat being the hub for Renewables, chemical industry, oil and gas refineries and Financial hub with GIFT city, it is natural that region need to have upskilling in Quantum computing and Quantum information science," he said, adding that the company plans further upgrades as students use the system for programming, learning and innovation.
PDEU was established as a petroleum university in 2007 before becoming an energy university in 2021, with its research now spanning broader energy and technology areas.
Quantum computing is still an emerging technology, but researchers are investigating its possible use in areas including materials, chemistry, optimisation and energy-related problems. It is not yet a general replacement for conventional computers, and practical large-scale applications remain an active research challenge.
PDEU Director General Prof Sundar S Manoharan said the new centre is intended to address that longer-term capability gap. “Today, we inaugurated the Quantum Center of Excellence at PDEU, which will be equipped with an 8-qubit quantum computer to be installed by QpiAI. This quantum computing facility will serve as an important platform for education, training, and cutting-edge research,” he added.
The development comes as India is substantially increasing public investment in quantum technologies. The National Quantum Mission, approved in 2023 with an outlay of Rs 6,003.65 crore through 2030-31, aims to build capabilities in quantum computing, communications, sensing, materials and devices. Four thematic hubs are now operational, involving 152 researchers from 43 institutions, while the government has also backed fabrication and central facilities to strengthen domestic hardware development.
Meanwhile, industry activity is expanding alongside government programmes. IBM, Tata Consultancy Services, and the Andhra Pradesh government announced plans in 2025 for an IBM Quantum System Two with a 156-qubit processor at the planned Quantum Valley Tech Park in Amaravati. IBM said the initiative would also support quantum algorithm and application development.
QpiAI itself has announced further academic deployments, including a 25-qubit system at IIIT-Dharwad and IIIT-Raichur, while reporting work on quantum error correction for its 64-qubit Kaveri processor.