IIT Madras, IISER Pune and C-DAC Pune have been identified for setting up VNC on Quantum Computing

India and Finland have decided to set up a Virtual Network Centre on Quantum Computing, the Ministry of Science and Technology said in a statement released on Monday.

The Ministry said a decision to this regard was taken during a meeting between Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and visiting Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs, Mika Lintila in New Delhi.

The Indian side has identified three premier institutes viz IIT Madras, IISER Pune and C-DAC Pune for Virtual Network Centre on Quantum Computing.

Finnish companies have expertise in areas like quantum computing, 5G technology, renewable energy and low emission mobility, the areas that could benefit from greater bilateral cooperation

Finland is keen to step up cooperation with India in areas like waste-to-energy, low carbon mobility and communication, said Finland’s visiting Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä

Talking to the media after delegation level talks with his Finnish counterpart Mika Lintila, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said bilateral STI collaboration between the two countries is an attempt to stimulate innovative R&D projects that address a specific need or challenge, demonstrate high industrial relevance and commercial potential and aim to deliver benefit to both the nations.

He said the move comes in the wake of the decision taken in the last Joint Committee meeting held in November 2020 to initiate cooperation in new emerging areas like 5G; Quantum Computing and Sustainability by involving Academia, Industries and Start-ups of the two countries.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Department of Science & Technology has initiated several new mission mode programs like Electric Vehicles, Cyber Physical System, Quantum Technologies, Future Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen Fuel etc and sought joint collaboration with Finland in solving issues of societal challenges.

The Minister said that the bilateral STI collaboration between the two countries is an attempt to stimulate innovative R&D projects that address a specific need or challenge, demonstrate high industrial relevance and commercial potential and aim to deliver benefit to both the nations.

Referring to the Virtual Summit last March between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland Sanna Marin, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that Finland’s leading role in clean and green technologies can help India's drive towards sustainable development.

The Minister recalled that India and Finland have strong bonding in Science, Technology and Innovation.