Bhaskar Katamaneni avers Jan 2026 launch on fast track
Andhra Pradesh is making an audacious leap into the future with its ‘Quantum Valley’ in Amaravati, poised to become India’s premier quantum computing hub by early 2026. At the heart of this ambitious state-led initiative, translating grand vision into operational reality, is Bhaskar Katamaneni. As Secretary of RTGS and Director General (FAC) of APHRDI, his multifaceted expertise in data-driven governance, infrastructure development, and human capital is pivotal. Naresh Nunna of Neo Science Hub delves into an exclusive conversation with Katamaneni to understand the strategic execution, unique challenges, and transformative potential of this pioneering national project.
You described the MoUs for the Quantum Valley as the ‘beginning of a great transition’ for Andhra Pradesh, positioning it as a tech leader. From your perspective at the helm of RTGS and with your key role in this project, what are the critical operational milestones and inter-agency coordination strategies being implemented to ensure the ambitious 1st January 2026, inauguration and the seamless integration of IBM, TCS, and L&T’s contributions?
To meet the ambitious January 1st, 2026, inauguration target for the Quantum Valley, we are addressing two primary operational components. Firstly, there is the construction of the physical infrastructure required to house the advanced quantum computer. We have thoroughly analysed the building plans for this facility. The next step involves appointing a suitable contractor for the construction, and we are confident that this physical structure will be completed before the January deadline.
Secondly, and concurrently, we are managing the process of acquiring the quantum computer from the United States and its subsequent installation. The necessary groundwork for this, including the requisite paperwork to secure the machine, has already commenced. Both these critical paths – the physical construction and the machine acquisition and installation – are being pursued in parallel to ensure we meet our timeline.
As Director General (FAC) of APHRDI and a leader in AI training for officials, you’re acutely aware of human capital needs. The Quantum Valley will demand a highly specialized workforce. What specific initiatives, perhaps leveraging APHRDI’s expertise, are planned to not only attract global quantum talent but also to cultivate a robust pipeline of indigenous researchers, engineers, and technicians ready to contribute to and sustain this quantum ecosystem?
Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), we anticipate that a significant number of universities will establish dedicated centres. These centres will serve dual purposes: they will be hubs for teaching quantum-related subjects and will also feature research facilities geared towards activities such as the development of new algorithms using quantum computing. This initiative is actively progressing.
The National Quantum Mission has, in fact, already invited applications for such projects. We are proactively encouraging our premier universities within Andhra Pradesh—including our IITs, IIITs, institutions like MIT, VIT, SMR and other prominent engineering colleges—to apply for these NQM grants. Through successful participation, these institutions will receive funding to establish their own quantum computing departments and build the necessary academic infrastructure. We project that this will lead to the development of specialized faculty and dedicated quantum departments in approximately 15 to 20 institutions across the state. This parallel development of human resources across multiple academic centres is a cornerstone of our strategy to build a robust talent pipeline in the quantum domain.
Your work in data-driven governance and centralizing datasets has been significant. The Quantum Valley plans to develop quantum-enabled public services like GST optimization and real-time census modelling. How do you foresee quantum capabilities augmenting the existing Real-Time Governance framework, and what are the foundational data infrastructure and governance prerequisites to harness quantum’s analytical power for transformative public service delivery?
While many of our current public service delivery applications can be managed effectively through normal classical computing, we recognize that the landscape is rapidly evolving, particularly with the explosion of Artificial Intelligence. This surge in AI adoption will inevitably lead to a requirement for huge data crunching capabilities. As AI algorithms become more sophisticated and the datasets required to train AI engines grow, classical computing systems may face limitations in handling these demands efficiently.
It’s precisely for these more intensive computational needs—where new algorithms and the extensive processing power required by advanced AI come into play—that we see a specific role for quantum computing in government applications. We are currently in the process of conceptualizing and strategizing how best to integrate quantum capabilities to meet these future demands for transformative public service delivery.
Quantum computing and AI are often seen as synergistic. How do you envision the Quantum Valley fostering this synergy, and personally being expert in AI, what role will AI play in preparing government systems and personnel to effectively utilize the insights and solutions generated by quantum technologies?
You’re very kind to say that I am expert in AI, but no one is an expert. I believe the advancement in AI adoption is less about any individual’s efforts and more a reflection of a broader technological evolution. AI has become an integral part of our daily lives; it has touched everyone and is present in so many tools we use, often without us actively realizing its underlying presence. For instance, even common applications like PowerPoint now have AI capabilities built into them.
In that sense, no one is truly separate from it, and one could argue that through these ubiquitous interactions, nearly everyone is engaging with AI and, in a way, becoming familiar with its applications.
With your leadership in AI training for government officials, you’re known for building AI champions.
Again, I would say I am simply trying to contribute where I can. Regarding the effective utilization of insights from quantum technologies, which you alluded to, that indeed brings us to the critical aspect of the physical infrastructure and the supporting ecosystem for the Quantum Valley.To accommodate this vision, we have initially set apart 50 acres of land. Our long-term plan for the Quantum Valley is ambitious: we envision developing approximately one crore (10 million) square feet of built-up space. This will eventually allow for a very significant number of professionals to work directly from the Valley.
Of course, this will be a phased development. To begin with, we anticipate having at least two to three thousand people working within the Quantum Valley in the next year or so. From there, we will strategically and progressively expand, with the ultimate goal of accommodating a large and vibrant community of researchers, engineers, and innovators on site.
What are the core principles and key challenges you anticipate in developing this pioneering framework to ensure ethical, secure, and responsible advancement of quantum technology in Andhra Pradesh and potentially for India?
From an implementation perspective, one of the primary considerations is the hardware itself. Quantum computing hardware isn’t widely available; it’s a rather rare resource. This installation at the Quantum Valley will be the first of its kind in India and, by some counts, perhaps only the sixth such advanced system globally. So, we are certainly entering a novel and highly specialized domain.
A significant challenge lies in meeting the demanding operational requirements of quantum computers. For instance, the system requires a stringently controlled environment, including maintaining extremely low temperatures, around minus 273 degrees Celsius – almost absolute zero. Furthermore, all associated support systems must ensure conditions like zero vibrations. It’s a completely different and highly sensitive operational atmosphere compared to classical computing infrastructure.
Establishing and maintaining these precise conditions is a technical challenge we need to address. However, while these are indeed challenges, we view them as entirely manageable and are confident in our ability to implement the necessary infrastructure successfully.
The Quantum Valley aims to drive high-end job creation and global investment. From an administrative and societal perspective, what are the key performance indicators for the success of the Quantum Valley beyond the technological achievements?
Perhaps there’s a common misunderstanding that the impact of quantum computing, especially regarding employment, might be confined primarily to high-level research. However, our vision for the Quantum Valley anticipates job creation across all levels of the economic spectrum.
Certainly, there will be significant opportunities at the research level, where scientists and innovators will define problem statements and pursue new discoveries. But the true multiplicative effect on employment will come downstream. Once new quantum algorithms are developed and validated, they will unlock a host of new manufacturing processes and applications.
Consider, for example, breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals with new drug manufacturing techniques, the design and synthesis of novel molecules for various industries, or entirely new methodologies for understanding and addressing diseases. Each of these advancements will, in turn, stimulate the growth of more industries and generate a wide array of associated jobs.
Furthermore, quantum computing has the unique potential to help us visualize and comprehend complex problems that we may not even fully grasp today. We anticipate this will lead to the creation of entirely new industries, perhaps cantered around innovations like advanced nanomaterials or other yet-to-be-conceived technologies.
Therefore, the societal success of the Quantum Valley will be measured by this broad-based impact – the creation of jobs not just in specialized research, but extensively across manufacturing, industry services, and indeed, new economic sectors that emerge from these quantum-driven innovations.
How will you measure its impact on the regional economy, talent retention, and its contribution to solving complex national challenges?
Regarding talent retention, specifically for the Quantum Valley, is not in my purview. However, I don’t foresee it as a significant challenge, particularly in the initial years.
Quantum Valley is a pioneering initiative, a ‘new thing that is coming up,’ not just for Andhra Pradesh but for India. The novelty, the cutting-edge nature of the work, and the opportunity to be part of such a landmark project will naturally be a strong draw for talent. Therefore, in the immediate future—over the next few years—I don’t anticipate major issues concerning the retention of skilled professionals engaged with the Quantum Valley.
You’ve stated that Andhra Pradesh is ‘no longer a follower in tech but a leader shaping the nation’s future’. Is it so?
Yes, obviously. That is precisely our ambition and direction. Andhra Pradesh is taking definitive steps to lead in frontier technologies. The establishment of the Quantum Valley is a prime example of this. As the first dedicated quantum computing valley in the country, it unequivocally positions us as a leader in this critical domain. By spearheading this ‘first mover’ initiative, we are consciously placing Andhra Pradesh a few steps ahead, proactively shaping the future.
This pioneering effort is also intrinsically linked to national goals. The Quantum Valley will specifically contribute to and align with the broader objectives of India’s National Quantum Mission. We see this as a significant stride, not just for the state, but in bolstering India’s overall capacity and leadership in the global quantum landscape. This is happening, and we are committed to this path.
How will the Quantum Valley, as a ‘first mover’ initiative specifically contribute to and align with the broader objectives of India’s National Quantum Mission ensuring the state’s pioneering efforts amplify India’s global standing in quantum technology?
The National Quantum Mission has clearly defined objectives, and the establishment of the Quantum Valley is, in essence, the starting point for the realization of those objectives. It’s envisioned that the associated human resources, leadership structures, and the entire support ecosystem will be built around this Valley, positioning it as the central focus of quantum computing activity in the country.
As the first such dedicated initiative in India, our leadership role will naturally draw in and involve numerous universities and institutions nationwide. A crucial aspect of our strategy is to make the advanced quantum computing infrastructure, which we aim to have operational by January [2026], accessible to research institutes across the entire country. Physical presence at the Valley will not be a prerequisite; we will provide a gateway enabling researchers and academics to utilize the quantum computing resources remotely, from their respective universities. This approach ensures that institutions nationwide will be connected to and benefit from the Valley.
So, we are not merely building an isolated quantum computing centre. Instead, we are striving to create a comprehensive national infrastructure hub. This hub will support startups, facilitate cutting-edge research, and provide a platform for both new and established companies to come and develop innovative products and services. All these elements will synergistically contribute to achieving the National Quantum Mission’s goals and significantly amplify India’s global standing in the field of quantum technology.
How do you perceive the parallels and, importantly, the distinctions between the Quantum Valley’s focused mission on quantum computing and the broader, classical computing-based model of Silicon Valley, especially considering quantum technology’s current developmental stage and its projected future trajectory?
Yes, in a way, one could draw that parallel, but with a crucial distinction. While Silicon Valley is broader in its technological scope and was fundamentally built upon classical computing – the normal PCs and systems we are familiar with – the Quantum Valley will be laser-focused on quantum computing. This represents an entirely different type of technology, one that is still in its relatively early stages but holds immense future potential. We firmly believe that the future belongs to this technology.
The driving force behind this is the escalating demand for computational power. As we encounter problems requiring increasingly sophisticated and intensive processing, it’s becoming clear that conventional processors will struggle to meet these demands. Quantum computing is poised to address these highly demanding computational challenges.
