IIT-Mandi Engineers Build Room-Temperature Quantum Computer

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, are constructing an indigenous quantum computer that operates at room temperature using photons. By bypassing the cryogenic requirements of traditional superconducting systems, the project aims to process complex data—ranging from genetics to weather patterns—with 86 percent accuracy without relying on classical algorithms.

Editorial·September 5, 2026·reads: 2,304

IIT-Mandi Engineers Build Room-Temperature Quantum Computer

The system acts more like a graphics processor than a traditional CPU, utilizing light to perform rapid calculations. According to C S Yadav, chairperson of the Center for Quantum Science and Technologies, the machine mimics scientific inquiry by identifying theoretical models within unknown datasets. Unlike systems developed by Google or IBM that require superconducting Josephson junctions and extreme cooling, this optical approach leverages quantum bits in a stable, ambient environment, utilizing a special gel to manage memory erasure and system updates.

The development team is currently scaling the architecture from 16 to 1,024 simultaneous tasks. Success hinges on three core components: a single-photon source, a phase-sensitive avalanche diode, and a multipurpose coincidence counter. Director Laxmidhar Behera noted that the initiative, supported by the National Quantum Mission, prioritizes local supply chain development to reduce import dependency. By fostering collaborations with startups, the institute intends to commercialize these components, aiming to integrate high-performance quantum processing into sectors like astrophysics and finance while minimizing government costs.