Adding weight to ‘Quantum’, Karnataka to partner with ETH Zurich for research and innovation

Bengaluru/Geneva: The Government of Karnataka is pursuing a strategic collaboration with ETH Zurich — one of the world’s leading institutions in Physics and Quantum Science— to strengthen research and innovation partnerships.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) Summit held at CERN Science Gateway, Geneva, N.S. Boseraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, said the discussions focused on advancing the development of Karnataka’s proposed Q-City in Bengaluru, envisioned as a global hub for quantum research and industry collaboration.

The Minister also highlighted Karnataka’s preparedness to position Bengaluru as a global hub for quantum research and innovation.

At the event, he met Dr. Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Zurich Board, to discuss avenues for collaboration between Karnataka and the renowned Swiss research institution.

Detailed discussions were held with ETH Zurich and Open Quantum Institute (OQI) on potential cooperation to strengthen research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in the quantum domain.

The proposed partnership aims to establish academic linkages connecting Karnataka’s quantum talent with ETH Zurich’s ecosystem — through joint research, fellowships and exchange programmes.

This collaboration would also provide opportunities for Karnataka’s researchers and professionals to engage with cutting-edge technologies and global experts in the field.

The Minister discussed the establishment of an “ETH–Karnataka Quantum Collaboration Centre” in Bengaluru as a long-term platform to promote sustained engagement.

Dr. Hengartner responded positively to the proposal, and follow-up actions will be initiated in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru,  a release said.

“Karnataka is committed to positioning India at the forefront of the emerging quantum and deep-tech revolution. Collaborating with world-class institutions such as ETH Zurich and Open Quantum Institute will further strengthen our vision to make Bengaluru a global nucleus for quantum innovation,” said Boseraju.

The meeting was attended by Sadashiva Prabhu, Managing Director of K-STePS, Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Chairperson of the Quantum Research Park, IISc, and Veerabhadra Hanchinal, Private Secretary to the Minister.

At the summit, the Minister also met Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and discussed the scientific and policy support required to realize Karnataka’s quantum ambitions.

He also briefed him on ongoing meetings with leading international research institutions.