Bengaluru: INOX Group, a diversified Indian conglomerate, and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India’s premier scientific research institution, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for setting up of INOX Quantum Materials Lab. The Lab would come up at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering facility at IISc. The Lab is set to focus on the development of topological semiconductors, a critical material for achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing, which will enable the creation of robust and error-resistant quantum states, which holds key to the future of Quantum technology.
With an aim to build an indigenous Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) unit that would be commercialised, the Lab would mark a significant leap towards making advanced semiconductor and quantum technology more accessible and cost-effective in the country. The initiative would address the high cost involved in importing equipment, but would also foster the development of skilled human resources in India. The endeavours would not only benefit the semiconductor industry, but would also further the research around quantum technology, topological insulators, epitaxial ferromagnetic semiconductors, and other quantum materials. IISc would also offer internship opportunities to undergraduates from premium institutes carrying out research in related fields. The Institute would also conduct annual workshops on quantum technologies, besides encouraging publication of research papers and participation in global conferences. Over and above the research, the contribution made by INOX Group would be comprehensively used for developing the lab infrastructure, to development of individual tools, and ensuring technology transfer for the benefit of the industry, as well as society.
