IBM and Union Government Discuss Collaboration in Quantum Technology

IBM, the American multinational technology company, is partnering with the Government of India to consider working together in the future in the fields of quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and geospatial AI solutions. On Tuesday, Arvind Krishna, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of International Business Machines Corporation met with Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Science and Technology.

The two discussed the potential of geospatial AI solutions across multiple industries. Singh also mentioned that India is "now more open than ever" to collaborate in the private sector to scale tech. In the previous month, India's Union Budget 2025 allocated ?600 crore to the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The amount is substantially greater than last year, when the NQM received ?86 crore after a major drop from a proposed budget of ?427 crore.

“The meeting marked a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in quantum computing, AI, and deep-tech innovations, with synergistic collaboration between the government and private sector driving the nation toward a technologically advanced future,” said the Ministry of Science and Technology. 

Last year, the Union Cabinet approved a budget of ?6003.65 crore for the mission over an eight-year budget period. The mission worked with four metrics-four research areas-quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.