Advancing Quantum Literacy: An Interview with Prof. Baladitya Suri, IISc

As the world continues to advance with the transformative potential of quantum computing, communication, sensing, cryptography, and so on, the need for quantum literacy has never been more pressing. India is making significant strides in the field, and the Bengaluru Quantum Technology Initiative by the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST) aims to bring all the Quantum Technology Stakeholders of Bengaluru under a single umbrella and design Cross-institutional capacity-building programs in collaboration with industries.

In this interview, Prof. Baladitya Suri, a Quantum Physicist from the Indian Institute of Science, shares his thoughts on the need and design of the Quantum Literacy Certification program, an upcoming initiative by BeST.

Q. What are the major areas under ‘Quantum Technologies’?

Quantum Technologies worldwide has four recognized verticals: Quantum Computation and Simulation, Communications, Sensing, and Materials for Quantum Technologies, which play a unifying role across all technologies. These four recognized streams are emphasized in the National Quantum Mission.

Q. What role does the National Quantum Mission play in advancing quantum research and education in India?

Research requires funding, and when active research occurs, education becomes incentivized. The National Quantum Mission provides a platform for research in quantum technologies, promoting education in this field. While the mission is not directly aimed at education, its research funding indirectly promotes educational activities in quantum technologies.

Q. How does the Quantum Literacy Certification program align with the goals of the National Quantum Mission?

The mission identifies and funds labs and groups that deliver certain technologies. For these deliverables to be met effectively, we need a larger workforce than what the current ecosystem provides. Academic programs take years to produce graduates, but some individuals have relevant skills and are ready to apply them. They only need to know the application without knowing all the nitty-gritty. This is where courses like Quantum Literacy Certification come in.

Q. Could you describe the curriculum design process for the Quantum Literacy Certification?

We first identified what "literacy" means and defined the program's end goals. Unlike our master’s programs, this program aims to make someone 'literate'—aware of ongoing developments. A quantum-literate person should know what the field is about, the technologies being researched, their current state, and their applications. We then framed the curriculum over a three to four-month duration to pique interest, helping participants decide whether to pursue a master’s or PhD later.

Q. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges in educating the next generation of quantum technologists, and how can these be addressed?

I don’t think there are any unique challenges specific to quantum technology. The theoretical concepts are well-covered in curricula at both central and state levels. Numerous online resources also help students become literate early in their undergraduate education.

AICTE has mandated quantum technology education in every deemed university and engineering program. This proliferates academic activities, allowing basic literacy. However, mastering the subject requires hands-on training. This is where the challenges arise. Quantum technologies are expensive, and to lay hands on an actual piece of equipment can cost several tens of lakhs per piece. Such equipment is not readily available in every institution.

That is where national-level institutions play a role through their programs, allowing students to work in labs and gain hands-on experience. The IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI) in collaboration with the Quantum Research Park, set up by IISc and the Karnataka state government, runs an internship program called Q-Daksha every year. Three Q-Daksha internships have already taken place. Such programs and workshops like Q-Karyashala give students hands-on experience with the equipment, addressing the challenge of practical exposure.

Q. Could you shed some light on Industry participation? How do you make sure the curriculum is relevant?

We have an Industry Participation Program that engages industry partners, providing networking opportunities for our students, and leading to internships and jobs.

The Quantum Literacy Certification program collaborates with the industry to make our research application-oriented. Industries provide use cases and applications where our know-how can improve processes and optimize operations. This engagement with diverse industries keeps the program vibrant.

The curriculum balances theoretical concepts and practical applications. It includes application-oriented education in every module, ensuring students understand where the concepts are applied.

Q. Can you talk a bit about the career prospects and the current opportunities?

For our master’s program, we have had two graduating batches. Seven students from the first batch entered industrial research, with three joining Fujitsu, which focuses on quantum technologies and computation. Two went into other industries, and one is pursuing a PhD at UC Berkeley. The second batch also achieved 100% placement, with most being hired by Accelequant, a startup in quantum algorithms. We expect similar profiles in the future, with a more diversified hiring portfolio as more startups emerge.

The National Quantum Mission, with its emphasis on research and industry collaboration, provides the necessary support to nurture a skilled workforce. Programs like the Quantum Literacy Certification are crucial in bridging the skill gap. As India invests in quantum technologies, the synergy between research, education, and industry will drive innovation and position the country as a global leader in this transformative field.

In today's rapidly evolving quantum landscape, understanding the fundamentals of quantum technologies is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Written by Jalak Mehta Edited by Nidhya Nadarajan Joghee , Project Manager, BeST Cluster