Nara Lokesh vows India will shine in quantum tech, calls on IIT alumni to back Andhra’s cluster drive

Nara Lokesh, a prominent figure in the Telugu Desam Party and son of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, addressed the media on Thursday, asserting that India is poised to earn worldwide acclaim in the field of quantum technology. He emphasized that the nation’s scientific community and industry are increasingly capable of delivering breakthroughs that can place India among the global leaders.

Lokesh outlined the Andhra Pradesh government's strategy to establish dedicated technology clusters focused on quantum research, development and commercial applications. The plan envisions state‑backed infrastructure, incentives for start‑ups and partnerships with research institutions to create a vibrant ecosystem that attracts both talent and investment.

A key part of his appeal was directed at alumni of the Indian Institutes of Technology, whose expertise in advanced engineering and physics could accelerate the cluster’s growth. He urged these graduates to contribute their knowledge, mentorship and networks to help build a robust quantum‑tech hub in the state.

The remarks dovetail with national initiatives such as the Quantum‑Enabled Science and Technology (QuEST) programme, which seeks to coordinate research across ministries. Andhra Pradesh officials indicated that policy incentives, including tax breaks and funding schemes, are being rolled out to support high‑tech ventures aligned with the quantum agenda.

While no specific timelines were disclosed, the state pledged to continue upgrading research facilities and forging collaborations with industry leaders to translate quantum research into practical solutions that can boost India’s global standing.