Karnataka to host India’s first commercial quantum computer at IIIT-Dharwad: Minister Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka will host India's "first commercial quantum computer", with the state government announcing its deployment at the IIIT-Dharwad, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The move is seen as a major step towards positioning Karnataka as a national hub for advanced quantum technologies, the state IT/BT minister said.
The announcement followed separate meetings held by Priyank with Bengaluru-based deeptech firm QpiAI and Singapore-based water technology company ZWEEC, focusing on cutting-edge innovation and rural infrastructure solutions, according to a press release.
"Karnataka is moving decisively in the quantum space. The deployment of India’s first commercial quantum computer at the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Dharwad marks a significant milestone in building a world-class quantum ecosystem," the minister was quoted as saying.
During discussions with QpiAI, Priyank reviewed plans to deploy the country’s "first indigenously built commercial quantum computer" at IIIT-Dharwad, where the state has announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Quantum AI and Computing.
QpiAI also outlined its roadmap to scale its systems from 25 qubits to a 1,000-qubit quantum computer within the next two to three years.
In a separate meeting, ZWEEC presented its advanced biomonitoring solutions for the early detection of drinking water contamination and algal blooms.
Priyank said the government would examine the feasibility of piloting the technology in partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department.
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Coffee grower dies in elephant attack in K'taka
Madikeri (Karnataka) (PTI): A 49-year-old coffee grower died in an elephant attack on Thursday, officials said.
The incident occurred around noon when Ganapathi went to his coffee plantation near Siddapura in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district, they said.
According to forest department, Ganapathi was trampled by the wild elephant which suddenly appeared in the coffee plantation.
Following the death, villagers staged protest rasing concerns about the increasing movement of wild elephants in human settlements and plantations in this district.
"An alert regarding movement of elephant was issued to residents of the area. Our team rushed to the spot as soon as we received the information. All concerns raised by the villagers are being addressed," a senior forest department official said.
Orders have been given to the officials concerned to monitor movement of the elephant involved in the attack and capture it, he said.
"All teams are already vigilant and monitoring the movement of the wild elephant. All efforts are being taken to capture it. The operation will begin tomorrow," he added.
