In a significant step towards advancing India’s quantum ecosystem, SRM University-AP and the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a Quantum Reference Facility, the first-of-its-kind in India and fourth globally, on the occasion of the announcement and foundation stone laying of the Amaravati Quantum Valley Project.

Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar, Registrar Dr R Premkumar Dean-Academic Affairs Dr Vinayak Kalluri and Dean-Research Prof. Ranjit Thapa signed the MoU in the august presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Sri Nara Lokesh, making SRM AP the first academic institution to partner with the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh for the Quantum Valley Project bringing in academic partnerships and talent development.

The Quantum Reference Center set up at SRM AP will serve as a shared national and global platform, facilitating startups, researchers, and industry partners—from across the India and the world, to test and validate quantum computing components, benchmark performance, and assess efficiency and efficacy before moving to large-scale deployment. This will significantly reduce barriers to entry for innovators, lower development risks, and accelerate the commercialisation of quantum technologies.

The university is also establishing a Quantum Institute that promotes research, teaching, and training in quantum sciences and technologies, bringing together the faculty and researchers from the fields of Physics, Computer Science, Electronics, Mathematics, and Engineering to work in an interdisciplinary environment where fundamental research and applied innovation complement each other.

Beyond just the infrastructure and hardware, SRM AP strengthens its techno-capital through academic programmes in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum materials. Hands-on laboratories, industry-linked projects, internships, and startup incubation programmes further provide real-world exposure to students.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar stated, “The establishment of the Quantum Reference Facility marks a defining step in our commitment to research excellence and technological self-reliance. Our goal is to nurture future-ready scientists, engineers, and technology leaders who will lead India’s quantum journey, with ‘Made in India’ quantum computers, middleware, and applications developed and housed at our university.”

He took the opportunity to thank the Government of Andhra Pradesh for its bold and visionary leadership, the national and industry partners for their trust and collaboration in the Quantum Mission.

The Amaravati Quantum Valley is not just a project—it is a promise, a promise that Andhra Pradesh will emerge as a global hub for deep-technology innovation, a promise that India will be a world leader in quantum science and engineering. The Quantum Valley Project witnesses an alliance of the government, academia, and the industry striving towards a shared goal, with SRM University-AP leading this initiative by being the first Academic Partner.