Maharashtra to Celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology – Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar

IT Department to Partner with UNESCO

Mumbai : The Maharashtra Government’s Information Technology Department will collaborate with UNESCO to celebrate 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, announced IT Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.

To mark the 100th anniversary of modern quantum mechanics, discovered by Nobel laureate and German physicist Werner Heisenberg, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Recognizing the transformative potential of quantum science, the Maharashtra government is committed to fostering research, innovation, and capacity building in this field.

Minister Shelar stated that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. The Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission under the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2023 to create new opportunities in India’s quantum sector.

“Maharashtra is actively engaging with global and national institutions in this domain, taking a significant step forward,” Minister Shelar added.

As part of this ambitious project, the Maharashtra IT Department will organize conferences, workshops, and expert lectures for students, researchers, and industry professionals. The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Quantum Mission, and the Ministry of Education to promote skill development, technical education, and industry growth.

The state is also considering partnerships with Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University to implement quantum-related skill development programs and establish a Quantum Center of Excellence Lab with the support of the central government, Minister Shelar stated.

Additionally, quantum technology has already been integrated into the curriculum of Maharashtra’s first Artificial Intelligence University, which is being established under a high-level expert task force. The Maharashtra AI Policy Task Force and Cybersecurity Policy Task Force are also studying the impact of quantum technology and will incorporate relevant recommendations in their policy frameworks, Minister Shelar added.