Samsung and IISc Open Quantum Research Lab

Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) inaugurated a Quantum Research Lab on 15 October 2026. The facility is located on the IISc campus in Bengaluru and was established with Corporate Social Responsibility support from SSIR. Its work covers quantum technologies and advanced semiconductors.

Research collaboration and facility

The partnership between SSIR and IISc was announced in October 2023. Professor Mayank Shrivastava of IISc’s Department of Electronic Systems Engineering was designated to lead the initiative. The laboratory provides experimental infrastructure for research and training in quantum technologies. The facility is intended to enable researchers and students from institutions across India to gain access to specialised equipment and research exposure. Its stated objectives include building a broader talent pool for India’s emerging quantum technology ecosystem and strengthening national research capabilities in quantum technologies and advanced semiconductors.

Research areas in quantum technology

The laboratory’s focus areas include qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, quantum-device reliability, single-photon sources and detectors, and integration of advanced semiconductor materials with quantum systems. A qubit, or quantum bit, is the basic unit of quantum information. Unlike a classical bit, which is represented as either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in a superposition of states. Qubit characterisation involves measuring properties and performance relevant to quantum operations. Cryogenic electronics concerns electronic systems designed to operate at very low temperatures; superconducting quantum-computing platforms generally require cryogenic conditions. Single-photon sources generate individual photons, while single-photon detectors register them. Individual photons are used in quantum communication research. Quantum-device reliability research examines whether devices can perform consistently under specified operating conditions.

National quantum research context

The Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission in 2023, with an approved outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023–24 to 2030–31. The mission covers quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indian Institute of Science was established in Bengaluru in 1909.
• A qubit is the basic unit of quantum information.
• The National Quantum Mission has four thematic areas: computing, communication, sensing and metrology, and materials and devices.
• Samsung Semiconductor India Research supported the Quantum Research Lab through Corporate Social Responsibility funding.

The SSIR–IISc partnership was announced in October 2023, and Professor Mayank Shrivastava was designated to lead the initiative. The Quantum Research Lab was inaugurated on 15 October 2026 on the IISc campus in Bengaluru.</numerusform