India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has announced the establishment of advanced quantum computing and quantum communication laboratories at Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur to strengthen national capacity in secure communications, emerging technology research, semiconductor skills, and artificial intelligence innovation.
The announcement was made on 11 June 2026 by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Railways, and Information and Broadcasting, during his visit to MNIT Jaipur. The new facilities will be created under the Ministry’s Electronics and ICT Academy initiative and are expected to support advanced research, hands-on training, and workforce development in key technology sectors.
The proposed quantum laboratories will focus on quantum key distribution, quantum computing simulations, and the development of quantum sensing hardware components. These areas are considered strategically important as India works to strengthen domestic technological capability and prepare for the next phase of digital transformation.
Speaking to students and faculty, Mr Vaishnaw said that while the current technological wave is being driven by artificial intelligence, the next major transformation is expected to come from quantum technologies. He highlighted the importance of building strong research capacity in this field, particularly for secure communications and national security.
Quantum key distribution will be one of the important research areas supported through the new laboratories. This technology is widely viewed as a critical part of future secure communication systems because it can help protect sensitive information against advanced cyber threats. The minister also encouraged MNIT Jaipur to take a leading role in post-quantum cryptography, which focuses on developing encryption methods that can remain secure in the age of quantum computing.
Alongside the quantum laboratories, students at MNIT Jaipur will gain access to Lam Research’s Semiverse platform. This digital twin-based semiconductor manufacturing environment is designed to support education and training by allowing students to visualise semiconductor chip structures in three dimensions, study fabrication processes, and simulate manufacturing stages in a virtual setting.
The introduction of the Semiverse platform is expected to strengthen semiconductor learning at the institute. It will give students practical exposure to chip manufacturing concepts and help them understand the complex processes involved in semiconductor design and fabrication. This is important as India continues to expand its role in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Mr Vaishnaw noted that the global semiconductor industry is expected to require more than one million design professionals. He said India is well positioned to contribute to this talent demand, especially as major global companies such as Nvidia, Qualcomm, Arm, and AMD already design advanced semiconductor chips in the country at 2 and 3 nanometre levels.
The government is also supporting semiconductor capability through the Chips to Startup programme. Under this initiative, more than 323 universities across India have received access to electronic design automation tools from companies such as Synopsys, Cadence, and Renesas. These tools have enabled students from institutions across the country to design more than 100 chips that were fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali.
In addition to quantum and semiconductor training facilities, the minister announced the creation of an artificial intelligence laboratory at MNIT Jaipur. The AI lab will provide advanced computing infrastructure and research tools to support innovation, experimentation, and collaborative work in artificial intelligence.
The AI laboratory is expected to be connected with the national IndiaAI Mission network, helping researchers and students access wider opportunities for collaboration. This connection could support the development of AI applications, research projects, and technology solutions aligned with national priorities.
During his visit, Mr Vaishnaw also referred to research underway at the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur on deepfake detection technologies. This reflects the government’s wider focus on addressing emerging digital risks while encouraging responsible innovation in artificial intelligence and related technologies.
A Makers Lab was also inaugurated at MNIT Jaipur by Mr Vaishnaw, along with Rajasthan’s Minister of State for Energy Hiralal Nagar and Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Gopal Sharma. The facility is designed to provide practical training opportunities in hardware and software development.
The Makers Lab will support hands-on learning using sensors, embedded systems, computing devices, and electronic systems. It is expected to help students turn ideas into working prototypes while strengthening practical skills in electronics, computing, robotics, and digital systems.
Students at MNIT Jaipur also demonstrated projects and applications during the minister’s visit. These included work in artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, structural engineering, and post-quantum cryptography. The demonstrations highlighted the institute’s growing engagement with advanced research and applied technology development.
The new initiatives at MNIT Jaipur reflect India’s broader push to build domestic capacity in advanced technologies. By investing in quantum research, semiconductor training, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and makers facilities, the government aims to prepare students and researchers for future opportunities in high-growth technology sectors.
The announcement also shows the growing importance of academic institutions in India’s technology development strategy. Institutes such as MNIT Jaipur are expected to play a key role in training skilled professionals, supporting innovation, and contributing to national goals in quantum technologies, secure communications, AI, and semiconductor design.
As global competition in advanced technologies intensifies, India is working to strengthen both research infrastructure and human capital. The laboratories and training platforms announced at MNIT Jaipur are designed to support this objective by giving students access to modern tools, practical learning environments, and emerging research areas.
The establishment of quantum computing, quantum communication, semiconductor, AI, and makers facilities at MNIT Jaipur marks an important step in India’s effort to build a future-ready technology ecosystem. By combining research, training, and innovation, the initiative can help strengthen India’s position in critical technologies that are expected to shape the next generation of digital infrastructure and secure communications.
