January 29, 2025

The symposium on Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence, jointly organized by C-DAC Pune and the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) Pune, was a milestone event that convened leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals. Held on January 29th-30th, 2025, at DIAT Pune, the symposium offered a deep dive into the convergence of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and real-world applications.

As part of the Quantum Accelerator project, funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) implemented by C-DAC centers (Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Patna), the symposium served as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration. This gathering exemplified a unified effort to leverage collective expertise and propel technological advancements.

The symposium commenced with an insightful inaugural session featuring a keynote addressed by Dr. N Rajesh Pillai, Director, SAG DRDO, on India's strategic initiatives in quantum and AI. Dr. BHVS Narayana Murthy, Vice Chancellor, DIAT Pune, emphasized defense-academic collaborations, while Shri. Sanjay Wandhekar, Centre Head, C-DAC Pune, highlighted C-DAC's quantum advancements. Dr. Ethirajan D, Centre Head, C-DAC Chennai, and Dr. Prof.G Raghavan, DIAT, discussed quantum research contributions and academia's role in the field. Col A.K. Nath, Senior Adviser, C-DAC, also graced the occasion. Symposium conveners Ms. Lakshmi Panat, Shri. Amit Saxena, Prof. G Raghavan and Dr. Manisha Nene played key roles in making this event a success.

Expert Talks and Keynote Sessions

The symposium spanned two days, featuring an array of expert talks focusing on the foundational aspects, advancements, and real-world applications of quantum computing and AI.

Day 1

• "Need for Qubit Automation to Develop Useful Quantum Computers" by Vishal Chatrath,CEO, QuantrolOx, Finland: He emphasized the importance of AI-driven automation in quantum processor units (QPUs) and how it can accelerate quantum computing scalability.
• "AI Infrastructure: Optimizing LLM Inference for Efficiency and Scalability" by Dr. Devashree Tripathy, IIT Bhubaneswar: She discussed methods to optimize large language model (LLM) inference to improve efficiency while addressing computational constraints.
• "Quantum Batting Beyond Google Willow" by Prof. G Raghavan, School of Quantum Technology, DIAT Pune: He explored the implications of Google's Willow chip results for practical quantum computing and the challenges of real-world quantum applications.
• "Quantum Computing Hardware Based on Ion Traps" by Prof. Umakant Rapol, IISER Pune: He provided an overview of ion trap-based quantum computing and its potential in building fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• "Advances in AI" by Dr. Shruti Patil, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Pune: Her talk covered the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, including generative AI, deep learning, and ethical AI considerations.
• "Ethics of AI and Responsible AI" by Dr. Manisha Nene, DIAT Pune: She highlighted the challenges of responsible AI development and the need for ethical considerations in AI-powered technologies.
• "Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence Initiatives by C-DAC" by Shri. Amit Saxena, C-DAC Pune: He provided insights into C-DAC's advancements in quantum computing and AI, highlighting the integration of high-performance computing (HPC) with quantum technologies for enhanced computational capabilities.

Day 2

• "Quantum State Tomography and Reconstruction of Three-Qubit W State" by Prof.Usha Devi, Bangalore University: She introduced novel methodologies for reconstructing quantum states using IBM's quantum processor.
• "Silicon Photonics Enabled Quantum Circuits and Systems (SPEQCS)" by Prof. Bijoy Krishna Das, IIT Madras: His session explored the role of silicon photonics in advancing quantum technologies.
• "Photons and Quantum Technologies" by Prof. Anirban Pathak, JIIT Noida: He discussed the connection between quantum computing and secure quantum communication.
• "Innovative AI/ML Technologies" by Dr. Aruna Tiwari, IIT Indore: She presented advancements in AI and machine learning algorithms, particularly for big data analytics and generative AI.

Young Scientists Session

This session featured talks from emerging researchers presenting their work on quantum computing and AI advancements:

• "DYSL-QT's Achievements in Quantum Technologies" by Dr. Santu Sardar, DYSL-QT, Pune: He highlighted DRDO Young Scientist Lab-QT and DRDO's pioneering research in quantum computing applications for defense and strategic systems.
• "Digital Twins: Quantum AI and Generative AI in Financial Applications" by Dr. Anshul Saxena,Christ University, Pune: He explored the role of digital twins and quantum AI in financial modelling and risk management.
• "Modern Algorithmic Design Primitives in Quantum Computing" by Shri. Sagnik Chatterjee (IIIT Delhi): He provided insights into quantum algorithm design frameworks such as Hamiltonian simulation and quantum singular value transformation.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion on "Quantum Accelerated Computing: The Future of Hybrid Systems in Quantum and Classical Computing" was moderated by Col. A.K. Nath (Retd.), Senior Advisor, Quantum and HPC, C-DAC. The panel featured experts Shri. Rahul Neiwal (MeitY), Shri, Amit Saxena (C-DAC Pune), Shri. Amit Srivastava (C-DAC Pune), Shri. Vivek Nainwal (C-DAC Hyderabad), Shri. Nishant Shekhar (C-DAC Patna), and Shri. Abhishek Tiwari (C-DAC Noida), who deliberated on the roadmap for integrating quantum and classical computing to achieve real-world applicability.

Impact and Future Prospects

The symposium on Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence marked a significant step toward fostering innovation, collaboration, and practical adoption of quantum-classical systems and Artificial Intelligence. By bringing together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners, the event provided a robust foundation for future advancements in quantum computing, AI, and hybrid computing solutions. As quantum computing continues to evolve, interdisciplinary collaborations like this will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI-driven quantum technologies.

The success of the symposium was driven by the expertise and dedication of the AI & QT team members, including Mithilesh Gaikwad, Aashay Pandharpatte, Deeksha Kushwah, Vishu Vyas, Kanishka Padamata, Abhishek Nautiyal, Saraswati Kendre, and Rutuja Kadam, under the mentorship of Shashank Sharma, Samrit Kumar Maity, and Amit Srivastava. The event represented a significant milestone in advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in the rapidly evolving domains of quantum computing and cloud computing.