GITAM launches quantum technologies laboratory
GITAM (Deemed to be University) has opened an Undergraduate Quantum Technologies Laboratory under the National Quantum Mission’s PRAGATI-Q FOUNDRY initiative, putting experimental quantum science within reach of its undergraduate students.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh inaugurated the facility virtually from New Delhi on Wednesday. It was one of 23 such laboratories launched simultaneously across the country with support from the Department of Science and Technology.
Dr. S. Arun Kumar, Dean and Distinguished Professor of the School of Computing and the School of Engineering, represented GITAM at the national event.
The laboratory will give students practical exposure to quantum optics, quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and cybersecurity. It is meant to supplement classroom teaching with experimental learning and help students build skills in quantum technologies.
Dr. Srinivasa L. Chakravarthy, the laboratory’s Principal Investigator, said the facility would help close the gap between theory and experimentation. Students, he said, would work with quantum systems and experimental setups as part of their academic and research activities.
According to the university, the laboratory will also host faculty development and specialised training programmes, and will support student research projects and industry-academia collaborations.
Academic leaders, researchers and students, including Prof. G.V.S. Rajkumar and Dr. K. Naveen Kumar, attended the inauguration at GITAM.
The laboratory forms part of the National Quantum Mission’s push to build experimental infrastructure and develop skilled human resources in quantum science and technology.