siliconindia | | JULY 20268WHY INDIA'S QUANTUM EDGE WILL BE BUILT IN UNIVERSITY LABS, NOT LECTURE HALLS Professor Somnath is a distinguished physicist, quantum scientist, and visionary author who seamlessly bridges cutting-edge science with timeless philosophy. He previously built a stellar career at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, where he founded the Nano-Scale Transport Physics Laboratory and pioneered research in quantum transport, carbon-based nanostructures, diamond qubits, and hybrid quantum systems. With over 2,800 scholarly citations, his work spans nanotechnology, quantum computing, and condensed matter physics.As the author of Evolution: Classical Philosophy Meets Quantum Science, he uniquely integrates ancient wisdom with modern quantum principles, inspiring the next generation of innovators.In a recent discussion with M R Yuvatha, Senior Correspondent at siliconindia, expert Somnath Bhattacharyya underscored how targeted investments in accessible quantum labs can convert India's abundant young talent into a globally competitive workforce, driving breakthroughs in drug discovery, materials science, energy, and space technologies.Somnath Bhattacharyya, Dean of Quantum Technology & Senior Professor, SRM University APIndia's quantum technology sector stands at a pivotal inflection point. While global leaders race ahead with billion-dollar ecosystems, Indian institutions began integrating quantum education much later than the West. Yet the country already possesses deep foundations in quantum mechanics across science, engineering and computer science programmes.The real differentiator now is not theory it is practical, hardware-level exposure. Industry leaders recognise that without students and faculty physically interacting with real quantum systems, the talent pipeline for quantum computing, simulation, and sensing will remain theoretical.Bridging Disciplines: From Classical Computing to Real Quantum SystemsThe quantum industry demands a seamless fusion of physics, computer science, and electronic engineering disciplines that have historically operated in silos.This hands-on reality is rare globally, outside elite PhD or post-doctoral labs abroad, most learners never see beyond simulations or textbooks.Indian private colleges are brimming with talented computer science graduates who master classical algorithms but have never touched a quantum processor. When these students engage directly with live systems installing components, troubleshooting cryogenics, and observing decoherence in real time they instantly grasp the gap between theory and scalable hardware. The result is transformative, they should develop the intuition required for quantum algorithm design, error correction and hybrid classical-quantum workflows.Industry Benefits Directly!Companies gain ready-to-deploy engineers who can ac-celerate product development instead of spending year's upskilling fresh hires. One forward-thinking university has already created this environment, allowing students to explore every subsystem at no cost. The same facility doubles as a talent incubator where students contribute to system assembly, giving industry partners skilled support while building a pipeline of job-ready quantum profes-sionals.Overcoming Cost Barriers through Visionary LeadershipQuantum hardware is prohibitively expensive. A functional teaching-grade quantum system demands a minimum investment of Rs 10 crore a sum that deterred IN MY OPINION
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