IBM's Crowder Sees Potential in India's Quantum Computing Sector

IBM's Scott Crowder emphasizes the importance of application research and algorithm development in India's quantum computing industry, citing the need to create communities of learners and foster innovation. IBM is partnering with Tata Consultancy Services to develop India's quantum computing industry, including an IBM Quantum System Two installation in the Andhra Pradesh Quantum Valley Tech Park. Crowder notes that India has significant potential for innovation in software development, but infrastructure investment is necessary to support hardware development.

Qatar is positioning itself as a key player in the global quantum computing race, leveraging substantial investments and strategic partnerships to accelerate the adoption of this disruptive technology. The country's sovereign wealth arm, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has invested in quantum startups such as Alice & Bob, underscoring Qatar's broader strategy to tap into the nascent yet swiftly growing quantum computing market [1].

According to the McKinsey 'Year of Quantum 2025' report, the quantum computing sector generated up to $750 million (QR2.7 billion) in revenue last year, with projections surpassing $1 billion (QR3.64 billion) in 2025. Qatar's ambition is evident in its billion-dollar partnerships and government-backed initiatives, aligning with the MIT Quantum Index Report 2025, which highlights the importance of early investment in infrastructure, research, and talent [1].

This year alone, the UK and US-domiciled quantum company, Quantinuum, signed a number of deals with Qatari enterprises, including a $1 billion, 10-year joint venture with Al Rabban Capital. The partnership aligns with the findings of the MIT Quantum Index Report 2025, which noted that global momentum for quantum technologies is moving "from concept to reality" [1].

The government has been quick to amplify the private sector push. In May, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), through its TASMU Innovation Lab, hosted Qatar's first national quantum computing workshop. The program introduced practical use cases across energy, logistics, and healthcare, positioning the technology as critical to Qatar's long-term resilience beyond hydrocarbons [1].

Hamad Bin Khalifa University's Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) inked a memorandum of understanding with Quantinuum earlier this summer. The deal allows researchers to access cutting-edge hardware remotely and to test algorithms in quantum chemistry, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity [1].

Experts caution that while challenges remain, commercial applications are limited, and competition for talent is fierce. However, Qatar's approach—heavy investment, global partnerships, and a focus on homegrown expertise—resembles the strategy it used in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry [1].

Meanwhile, IBM is emphasizing the importance of application research and algorithm development in India's quantum computing industry. IBM is partnering with Tata Consultancy Services to develop India's quantum computing industry, including an IBM Quantum System Two installation in the Andhra Pradesh Quantum Valley Tech Park. Scott Crowder, IBM's quantum computing executive, notes that India has significant potential for innovation in software development but requires infrastructure investment to support hardware development [2].

In conclusion, Qatar's strategic play in quantum computing is a bold move to secure a competitive edge in the global tech landscape. By investing in both hardware and software, fostering local talent, and leveraging global partnerships, Qatar is positioning itself as a regional pioneer in the next generation of computing. As quantum computing edges closer to real-world impact, the country is determined to ensure it is not merely a consumer of technology but a regional leader shaping its future.

References:
[1] https://menafn.com/1109981818/Qatars-Investment-In-Quantum-Computing-Could-Redefine-Gulfs-Tech-Landscape
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/ibm-amd-quantum-computing-partnership-catalyst-tech-decade-2508/