AP sets up apex & experts committees to speed up work on Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre

Andhra Pradesh Government has constituted two high-power committees to expedite the process for establishment of a Quantum Valley at Amaravati, anchored by the Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre (AQCC), with the objective of positioning the State as a global hub in the domain of quantum technologies.

The initiative aimed at leveraging the transformative potential of quantum computing, quantum materials, and allied emerging technologies for socioeconomic development, scientific advancement and industrial leadership after entering into an MoU with TCS, L&T and IBM on May 2.

The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has allotted 50 acres for the prestigious project. In pursuance of the deliberations held in the State Quantum Mission (SQM) meeting on August 20, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the government approved the constitution of two high-level committees, the apex committee and the expert committee, on Sunday to provide structured oversight, specialised

expertise and strategic direction to the State’s Quantum Mission.

According to an order issued by Bhaskar Katameneni, Secretary to Government, on behalf of the Department of IT, Electronics & Communication, the role and responsibilities of the apex committee will be to provide high-level strategic guidance and policy direction for the State’s Quantum mission, advise the government on the long-term positioning of Andhra Pradesh in the global quantum ecosystem, guide in forming international and national research collaborations, industry partnerships, and ecosystem-building strategies, periodically review the progress of AQCC and associated initiatives and recommend course corrections at the strategic level.

The committee is also mandated to ensure that the State’s investments and efforts in quantum technologies are aligned with national priorities (such as the National Quantum Mission) and international best practices, and advise on the creation of an innovation-driven ecosystem, including incubation, start-up promotion, and industry-academia partnerships.

Bhaskar said in the order that the expert committee shall provide detailed technical oversight on implementation aspects of quantum technologies at AQCC and associated institutions, evaluate technical proposals, infrastructure requirements, and research use-cases, and provide recommendations to the government, recommend pathways for adoption of quantum computing applications across various departments, academia, startups, and industries and advise on skill development, curriculum design, and training programs to build a strong quantum workforce in the State.

The committee has to monitor project execution at the operational level and provide periodic recommendations for optimization, support in the creation of incubation facilities and innovation programs for startups in quantum technologies.

The two committees will function under the overall aegis of the State Quantum Mission (SQM), chaired by the Chief Minister. The apex committee will be responsible for providing strategic oversight and shall submit its reports to the government on a bi-annual basis, outlining the progress achieved, challenges encountered, and policy-level recommendations for strengthening the State’s position in the global quantum ecosystem. The expert committee, on the other hand, will focus on operational and technical matters and shall provide quarterly progress reports.