Maharashtra Aims to Lead India in Quantum Technology: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

State Targets Creation of Over 5,000 Quantum-Trained Professionals

Mumbai, July 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum technology will emerge as the three key pillars driving future economic growth, stressing that the state must develop a highly skilled workforce to remain globally competitive.

Addressing the valedictory session of the Quantum Technology Faculty Development Programme, organised by the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, through virtual mode, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra would establish a robust quantum technology ecosystem by effectively implementing the Maharashtra Quantum Technology Mission, aligned with the National Quantum Mission.

The programme was attended by Higher and Technical Education Department Additional Chief Secretary Venugopal B. Reddy, Director of Higher Education Shailendra Deolankar, representatives from IISER, C-DAC, and faculty members and officials from various educational institutions.

AI, Semiconductors and Quantum Technology Will Shape the Future

Fadnavis said the world is undergoing rapid technological transformation, moving from a data-driven economy to an era of high-speed data processing. He noted that AI, semiconductor technologies, and quantum computing will play a decisive role in determining global competitiveness over the coming decades.

He emphasised that, just as India has become a global leader in information technology through its skilled workforce, the country now has an opportunity to achieve global leadership in quantum technology by investing in talent development.

₹6,000 Crore National Quantum Mission

The Chief Minister highlighted that the Government of India has allocated nearly ₹6,000 crore for the National Quantum Mission. Following the same vision, the Maharashtra Government has launched its own State Quantum Mission to develop a strong quantum ecosystem through trained faculty and advanced academic programmes.

He said the state aims to train 500 faculty members in the initial phase, followed by the creation of more than 5,000 quantum-trained professionals, building a talent pool capable of supporting research, innovation, and industry requirements.

Transforming Multiple Sectors

Fadnavis stated that quantum technology will revolutionise sectors such as engineering, healthcare, space, manufacturing, industry, and defence. He cautioned that the nature of future employment will change rapidly, making it essential to equip students and educators with emerging technological skills today.

Building a Strong Quantum Ecosystem

The Chief Minister noted that premier institutions in Maharashtra, including IISER, C-DAC, TIFR, IIT Bombay, COEP, and VNIT, are already developing significant expertise in quantum technologies.

He said the collective strengths of these institutions would be leveraged to accelerate the Maharashtra Quantum Mission and establish the state as India’s leading hub for quantum research, innovation, and talent development.

Fadnavis also appreciated the specially developed curriculum, Learning Management System (LMS), and AI-powered chatbots ‘Chandra’ and ‘Surya’, which are helping students better understand the fundamentals of quantum technology.

Congratulating all participating institutions, experts, and faculty members, he expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s position in next-generation technologies and prepare the state’s youth for the future digital economy.