Bengaluru-based quantum technology company QpiAI and Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gujarat have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Quantum Centre of Excellence at the university.
As part of the partnership, QpiAI will install its 8-qubit QVidya quantum computer at PDEU. The facility is expected to give students, researchers and faculty access to quantum computing hardware, software tools and application libraries, while also connecting the system with the university’s high-performance computing infrastructure.
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The initiative is aimed at building practical skills in quantum computing and creating a stronger research base for the emerging technology in Gujarat.
What will the Quantum Centre of Excellence offer?
The centre will focus on three key areas: education, training and research. Students and researchers at PDEU will be able to work directly with a quantum computing system rather than relying only on theoretical coursework. The facility will support programming, experimentation and the development of quantum applications.
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QpiAI also plans to upgrade the system as its use grows. Users outside PDEU will be able to access the quantum computer through the company’s Qcloud platform, extending the facility’s reach beyond the university campus.
The centre will also combine quantum computing resources with PDEU’s existing high-performance computing infrastructure. This could allow researchers to explore hybrid approaches that use conventional and quantum computing together.
Why is Gujarat looking at quantum computing?
QpiAI founder and CEO Dr Nagendra Nagaraja said Gujarat’s industrial base makes it an important market for quantum skills. “Gujarat being the hub for Renewables, chemical industry, oil and gas refineries and Financial hub with GIFT city, it is natural that region needs to have upskilling in Quantum computing and Quantum information science,” he said.
The state has a large presence across energy, chemicals, manufacturing and financial services. These sectors are among those where quantum computing research could eventually find applications in areas such as optimisation, materials science, chemistry and financial modelling.
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The technology, however, is still at an early stage. Quantum computers are not replacements for conventional computers today, and researchers continue to work on improving their reliability, scale and practical usefulness.
PDEU expands its technology and research capabilities
PDEU Director General Prof Sundar S Manoharan described quantum computing as an important area for the university’s future. “Building capabilities in quantum computing is a critical next step for PDEU,” he said.
The university was established in 2007 as a petroleum university and was renamed Pandit Deendayal Energy University in 2021. Its academic and research activities have since expanded across energy, technology and related disciplines.
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The new centre adds quantum computing to that broader technology focus and could give students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a technology that is expected to require a growing pool of specialised talent.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future.
