Pune
January 13, 2026
C-DAC, Pune, in collaboration with D Y Patil International University (DYPIU), Akurdi, Pune, successfully organized a two-day Symposium and Workshop titled “QTech 2026: Exploring Quantum Realms” on January 12th and 13th, 2026. The event was designed to foster dialogue and hands-on engagement in the rapidly evolving domain of quantum computing and quantum-accelerated high-performance computing.
The symposium aimed to bridge foundational quantum science with emerging applications by bringing together academicians, researchers, scientists, industry professionals, and students. The programme focused on advancing awareness and technical understanding of quantum algorithms, hardware platforms, quantum software ecosystems, and the growing intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies.
Inaugural Session and Distinguished Guests
The programme commenced with a formal inaugural session, including lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, setting an auspicious tone for the event. The inaugural address was delivered by Ms. Lakshmi Panat, Scientist G and Programme Director (AI & Quantum Technologies), C-DAC Pune, who highlighted India's strategic roadmap in quantum technologies and emphasized the importance of indigenous platforms, collaborative research, and capacity building.
The session was further enriched by addresses from Shri Rahul Nehiwal,MeitY, Government of India, and senior academic leadership from DYPIU, including Dr. (Prof.) BeeranMoidin, Registrar, Dr. Anupama Patil, Dean – Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Madhavi Deshpande, Dean – Faculty of Non-Engineering, and Prof. (Dr.) Rahul Sharma, Director, School of Computer Science Engineering & Applications. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Anju Chaurasia, Convenor from DYPIU.
Technical Sessions – Day 1 (Symposium)
The first day featured invited talks by eminent researchers and scientists from leading national and international institutions. Key sessions included:
- Prof. Amlan Chakrabarti (University of Calcutta) on Quantum Machine Learning
- Dr. Alok Shukla (Ahmedabad University) on Modular and Scalable Quantum Algorithms
- Prof. Arijit Sharma (IIT Tirupati) on Quantum Memories and Quantum Networks
- Prof. Umakant D. Rapol (IISER Pune) on Ion Trap Quantum Hardware
- Dr. Siddhartha Patra (TCG Crest, Kolkata) on Tensor Networks and Hybrid Quantum–HPC Algorithms
- Shri Amit Shrivastava (DRDO, Hyderabad) on Quantum Entanglement as an Information Resource
- Dr. Siddharth Singh (TU Delft) on Accelerating QPU Development
- Shri Amit Saxena (C-DAC Pune) on Quantum Simulators and Accelerators
These sessions provided deep theoretical insights while also highlighting engineering challenges and real-world applications of quantum technologies.
Hands-On Workshop – Day 2
The second day of QTech 2026 focused on hands-on training sessions and live demonstrations, delivered by scientists and researchers from various C-DAC centres and collaborating institutions. Key sessions included:
- Shri Aashay Pandharpatte (C-DAC Pune) on Introduction to Quantum Computing Simulations (Hands-on)
- Dr. Tarun (C-DAC Mohali) on Quantum Machine Learning
- Shri Vivek Nainwal (C-DAC Hyderabad) on QSim: Demonstration and Hands-on
- Shri Raja Singh Yadav (C-DAC Bangalore) on Qniverse: Demonstration and Hands-on
- Shri Abhishek Tiwari (C-DAC Noida) on FPGA-based Quantum Simulator
- Shri Nishant Shekar (C-DAC Patna) on QARN: GPU-based High-Performance Quantum Simulator
- Dr. Shreya Bokare (C-DAC Mumbai) on Applications of Quantum Computing in the Financial Domain
- Dr. Namrataa Kkommineni (Shah & Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College, Mumbai) on Hybrid DFT–Quantum Embedding Simulations for Molecular Systems in HPCQC
- Ms. Kanishka Padamata (C-DAC Pune) on Introduction to Quantum Error Correction
These sessions provided participants with direct exposure to indigenous quantum platforms, hardware-accelerated simulators, and application-driven quantum workflows, significantly strengthening their practical understanding of quantum computing technologies.
Participation and Impact
The workshop attracted enthusiastic participation from students, researchers, faculty members, and professionals, creating a vibrant learning environment. The combination of expert lectures, demonstrations, and discussions encouraged interdisciplinary interaction and sparked interest in advanced quantum research and applications.
Conclusion
The event concluded with a valedictory session, reflecting on the successful execution and strong collaborative spirit of the programme. QTech 2026 stood out as a technically rich and forward-looking initiative, reinforcing India's growing momentum in quantum computing and hybrid HPC ecosystems.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Sanjay Wandhekar, Centre Head, C-DAC Pune, for continued support in advancing national capacity-building initiatives in quantum technologies. The organizing team extends sincere gratitude to C-DAC Pune, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, all invited speakers, and participants for their invaluable contributions. Special appreciation is extended to Ms. Lakshmi Panat, Scientist G and Program Director (AI & Quantum Technologies), C-DAC Pune, for her strategic guidance and leadership in shaping the vision and technical direction of the programme. The efforts of Shri Amit Saxena, Scientist F, C-DAC Pune, and Dr. Anju Chaurasia, Convenor from DYPIU, are gratefully acknowledged for their dedicated coordination and meticulous planning, which ensured the successful execution of the symposium and workshop. The organizing team also acknowledges the significant contributions of the AI & Quantum Technologies (AIQT) Group, C-DAC Pune, whose technical expertise and hands-on support played a pivotal role in making the programme a success.
