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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.
India’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 Systems
The quantum industry demands a seamless fusion of physics, computer science, and electronic engineering disciplines that have historically operated in silos.
Simply teaching quantum mechanics in classrooms is no longer enough. Students must witness and work on actual quantum hardware, cryostats, control electronics, qubits in open systems, and full-stack integration.
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 accelerate 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 professionals.
Overcoming Cost Barriers through Visionary Leadership
Quantum hardware is prohibitively expensive. A functional teaching-grade quantum system demands a minimum investment of Rs 10 crore a sum that deterred most Indian universities before the pandemic. Funding a quantum lab is far riskier than building infrastructure or sports facilities, it requires leadership that understands long-term national advantage over immediate ROI.
The management of one pioneering private university demonstrated exactly this vision, approving the project when peers hesitated. Their boldness has paid dividends, students from every discipline now access cutting-edge equipment free of charge.
The Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has already launched a major initiative to extend similar quantum opportunities across new colleges in the state. This model clearly demonstrates how liberal, forward-looking institutions like SRM University AP can democratise quantum education. By absorbing the substantial capital cost and opening advanced quantum labs to undergraduates, it has eliminated the single biggest barrier access. Students no longer need overseas PhDs or elite connections to work with real quantum hardware. They are learning by doing, exactly as the quantum industry demands.
The same approach is now attracting established Indian professors returning from abroad and top global talent, such as a new AI institute dean from Texas. Industry gains a virtuous cycle: universities produce hardware-familiar graduates, companies reduce training costs, and India reverses brain drain.
Also Read: The Big Milestone in Amaravati That Unlocks India's Quantum Potential
Quantum Applications and the National Imperative
Quantum technology is not an isolated physics domain it is the natural evolution of nanotechnology, operating at the next level of precision. Its impact spans every sector. Chemistry and biology stand to benefit most dramatically, quantum simulation can model molecular interactions at scales impossible for classical supercomputers, accelerating drug discovery, catalyst design, and personalised medicine.
Energy researchers can optimise battery materials and solar cells, space technologists can solve complex orbital and materials problems, high-stress engineering gains new simulation tools.
Also, Somnath emphasizes, “Jobs will not be the bottleneck, patience will be”.
Mastering quantum demands sustained focus over decades, not quarterly pivots. The Government of India has recognised this urgency, launching national missions just two years behind global frontrunners. The clear directive, commit to quantum for the next 10-20 years without shifting priorities. Switching tracks mid-course would waste the ecosystem being built today.
A Big Advice to Visionary Leaders
A powerful message emerges for state leadership, every Chief Minister or a leader should establish at least one quantum computing facility within their province. With India’s myriad real-world optimisation, simulation, and security challenges, even a handful of accessible systems per state can spark localised innovation clusters. Collaboration is key quantum scientists must partner with domain experts in chemistry, biology, and engineering.
Theory of computation, algorithm development, and software stacks must evolve in tandem with hardware. The result will be an integrated national ecosystem where industry, academia, and government co-create solutions at quantum speed.
Looking Ahead!
India does not lack talent. It lacks structured, hardware-first exposure. By replicating the hands-on model already proven in one visionary university, the nation can transform its late start into a decisive advantage. The quantum economy projected to be worth trillions globally will reward those who build practical mastery today.
For Indian industries, the message is urgent and clear, invest now in real systems, open labs to students, and back the 10-20 year commitment.
The talent is ready. The hardware is available. The only missing piece is nationwide scale and the government will to deliver it.