IIT Delhi Signs MoU to Promote Research and Development in Quantum Computing

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its 1995 batch alumnus Prashant Gupta to create the Uma-Puruskar-Liril Gupta Chair in Future Computing Technologies at the institute. The focus areas of the chair would be Quantum Computing and High-Performance Computing, says the IIT Delhi website.

The chair has been created to promote excellence and leadership in teaching and Research & Development in the area of Quantum Computing and High-Performance Computing with primary emphasis given to Quantum Computing, which is an exciting field that promises to revolutionise computing in the future.

Prashant Gupta, who has donated Rs 1 Crore to his alma mater to fund the endowment to establish the chair, said: “My IIT Delhi stint was life-changing, and this is a small token of my gratitude for the institute as well as members of my family who helped me extraordinarily in my formative years. I hope this contribution helps IIT Delhi make rapid progress in the area of Quantum Computing."

Quantum computing, which is the study of a non-classical model of computation, is still in its nascent stages in India. The primary selection criteria for the chair will be an excellent research profile in the area of Quantum Computing. The institute is looking for a person who can bootstrap the Indian ecosystem around this very important area of research, says IIT Delhi.

Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said: “IIT Delhi strongly encourages alumni involvement in institute activities. We have created multiple mechanisms for alumni to get engaged with the institute. Support for creation of Chair positions in niche areas is one of them. We are happy that alumni are taking interest in this activity. We have over 50 Chair faculty positions at IIT Delhi right now supported from various sources.”