Govt to Fund 100 Engineering Colleges with ₹1 Crore Each for Quantum Labs

The Government of India will provide ₹1 crore each to 100 engineering colleges to establish quantum teaching labs, marking a major push to build capacity in quantum technology education.

These labs are aimed at undergraduate minor programmes, not advanced research, and are part of a broader initiative to strengthen India’s quantum ecosystem.

The official announcement about funding 100 engineering colleges with ₹1 crore each for quantum teaching labs was made by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), during an event at IIT Bombay on November 24, 2025.  The Indian Express was among the first outlets to report the announcement on November 25, 2025, citing Prof. Karandikar’s remarks at IIT Bombay.  News18 also carried the story the same day, highlighting the ₹720 crore quantum fabrication facilities planned at IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru.  

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Key Details

• Funding: ₹1 crore per college, covering lab setup, course design, and faculty development.
• Scope: Labs will focus on teaching quantum technology at the undergraduate level.
• Institutions: 100 engineering colleges selected from over 500 proposals.
• Lead Agencies: Department of Science and Technology (DST) and AICTE.
• Announcement: Made by DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar at IIT Bombay.
• Complementary Investments:
  • ₹720 crore quantum fabrication facilities at IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru.
  • Quantum algorithms technical group to support startups and advanced research.

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Strategic Importance

• Capacity Building: Creates a pipeline of skilled graduates in quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
• Global Positioning: Aligns India with global quantum initiatives, reducing dependence on foreign technology.
• Startup Ecosystem: Supports Indian startups innovating in quantum technologies.
• Education Impact: Embeds quantum technology into mainstream engineering curricula.

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Challenges Ahead

• Infrastructure readiness: Colleges must adapt existing facilities to host quantum labs.
• Faculty training: Ensuring teachers are equipped to deliver quantum courses effectively.
• Sustainability: Long-term funding and industry partnerships will be critical.