TLDR: The Andhra Pradesh government has issued formal orders to establish a 133-qubit IBM quantum computer at the Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre (AQCC). This initiative is a cornerstone of the broader ‘Quantum Valley’ project in Amaravati, aiming to position the region as a national hub for quantum innovation. The agreement with IBM includes 365 hours of free computing time annually for state institutions and educational use, with IBM operating the facility at a concessional rent. Additionally, a smaller quantum computer will be set up at Wits University in partnership with a Bengaluru-based AI startup.
The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a significant leap into the future of technology by issuing formal orders for the establishment of an IBM quantum computer at the Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre (AQCC). This move is a pivotal part of the state’s ambitious ‘Quantum Valley’ initiative in Amaravati, designed to foster a robust ecosystem for quantum innovation and position the region as a leading hub for quantum computing in India.
According to the order (GO MS 34) issued by IT Department Secretary Katamaneni Bhaskar, the AQCC will house a powerful 133-qubit, 5,000-gate quantum computer within a 2,000 sq ft facility. This state-of-the-art infrastructure will be equipped with secure networking, advanced cooling systems, and an uninterrupted power supply to ensure the high-performance machine operates seamlessly.
The agreement with IBM stipulates that the tech giant will operate from the facility at a concessional rent of ₹30 per sq ft. In return, the Andhra Pradesh government will receive 365 hours of free computing time annually for a period of four years, which will be allocated to government institutions and for educational purposes. While IBM initially proposed a lower rental and fewer free hours, the AQCC board finalized the terms as per government norms. The state government will also bear the costs associated with power and cooling for the facility.
Beyond the flagship IBM installation, the government has also approved a proposal to set up a smaller quantum computer at the Wits University campus. This project, costing ₹6 crore, will be undertaken in partnership with AI on the Queue, a Bengaluru-based startup, further diversifying the state’s quantum capabilities.
The Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) initiative is envisioned as a comprehensive, government-supported ecosystem designed to serve universities, research bodies, startups, and industries across various fields. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has underscored the project’s high priority, expressing his aim to make Amaravati the country’s quantum computing hub. He previously announced that the quantum computing center in Amaravati is targeted to be operational by January 1, 2026.
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Looking ahead, the state government has set an ambitious goal to produce 100 ‘use’ cases by August 15, 2026, and to emerge as a global player in the ‘quantum-artificial intelligence (AI) movement’. This initiative is also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities within the state. IT Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized the importance of attracting top players to the AQCC, expressing optimism that IBM’s involvement will accelerate the project’s progress.
