TLDR: The Maharashtra government has signed a Letter of Intent with IBM to advance quantum computing initiatives within the state. This partnership coincides with the inauguration of IBM’s new India Client Experience Centre in Mumbai, aimed at fostering the adoption of AI, hybrid cloud, and quantum technologies across Indian enterprises. The collaboration seeks to develop a skilled talent pool and align with India’s National Quantum Mission.
In a significant stride towards technological advancement, the Government of Maharashtra has officially partnered with global technology giant IBM, signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to propel quantum computing initiatives within the state. This strategic alliance, announced on August 14, 2025, underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to becoming a leader in the burgeoning field of quantum technology.
The LoI outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, wherein IBM will lend its expertise, knowledge, and insights to assist Maharashtra in designing its quantum program. A key focus of this partnership will be on skills development, with plans for workshops and other efforts aimed at cultivating a robust quantum ecosystem and talent pool across the state. The initiative is closely aligned with India’s ambitious National Quantum Mission and the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.
The announcement coincided with the grand opening of IBM’s new India Client Experience Centre in Mumbai, located within the company’s new offices. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower Indian enterprises to harness the full potential of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), hybrid cloud solutions, and quantum computing. The centre will serve as a dynamic space for collaboration between IBM experts, clients, and partners, facilitating the co-creation of solutions tailored to India’s unique business challenges. Its offerings will encompass IBM’s extensive portfolio, including the watsonx platform, data and automation tools, cybersecurity solutions, and consulting-led transformation services.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the transformative potential of these technologies during the inauguration, stating, “With AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors, we are building a Viksit Maharashtra and Viksit Bharat. These technologies can accelerate sustainability and efficiency across sectors, creating new opportunities for growth and progress. Through our collaboration with IBM, we will harness quantum innovation to transform lives, while building a skilled talent pool to democratize its benefits and make them accessible to every citizen of the state.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India and South Asia, remarked, “IBM welcomes the opportunity to engage with the Government of Maharashtra on advancing quantum computing skills in the state, in alignment with the country’s National Quantum Mission, and vision of Viksit Bharat.” Hans Dekkers, General Manager for IBM Asia Pacific, further highlighted that the new centre reinforces IBM’s commitment to helping advance India’s journey in these critical technological domains and building a vibrant quantum ecosystem in Maharashtra.
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This collaboration in Maharashtra is part of IBM’s broader efforts to accelerate quantum technology adoption across India, following similar initiatives such as a partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government and TCS for the Amravati quantum valley, and participation in Karnataka’s Quantum India Bengaluru summit. IBM has also recently opened an Agentic AI Innovation Centre in Bengaluru and announced plans to build the world’s first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029, underscoring its global commitment to advancing quantum and AI frontiers.
