AP Aims to Lead South Asia’s Quantum Leap, Lokesh Says at WEF
The minister outlined an ambitious roadmap covering infrastructure, skills, research and manufacturing
VIJAYAWADA: Education and IT minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday said quantum computing is among the fastest-evolving technologies globally and Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as India’s next major quantum hub.
Addressing a World Economic Forum session on “Skills & Collaboration: Accelerating Quantum Innovation” at the WEF meet in Davos, the minister outlined an ambitious roadmap covering infrastructure, skills, research and manufacturing.
Citing global trends, Lokesh said the quantum computing market grew from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $3.77 billion in 2025 and is projected to touch $20 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 41.8 per cent.
Quoting McKinsey & Company, he noted that quantum technologies could generate revenues of $97 billion by 2035. However, he cautioned that only about one-third of the required global quantum talent is currently available, highlighting a serious skills gap.
The minister announced that by July 2026, AP would host South Asia’s most powerful quantum computer—IBM Quantum System Two powered by a 133-qubit Heron processor—in Amaravati, in partnership with IBM and Tata Consultancy Services.
The facility would anchor India’s first dedicated Quantum Valley Tech Park spread over 50 acres, integrating an innovation district, industry-embedded research centres, joint PhD and post-doctoral programmes, and skilling pipelines for over 50,000 learners.
Lokesh said the state has set clear milestones, including testing 100 quantum algorithms by January 2026 and developing 100 quantum use cases by August 15, 2026. He also aligned the initiative with India’s National Quantum Mission, supported by a fund of `6,000 crore.
Detailing a three-phase quantum skills pipeline, the minister said AP aimed to create one million quantum-literate citizens, train industry-ready professionals and develop advanced researchers, startups and system builders, with strong participation of women.
With a clear goal of manufacturing and exporting quantum computers from Amaravati, the state is inviting global OEMs for co-development partnerships.
Emphasising collaboration, Lokesh said universities, startups and governments must work together across the value chain, adding that AP is ready to be a long-term partner in shaping the global quantum economy.
