Pune
June 27, 2026
AI & QT Group at C-DAC Pune in association with JSPM University Pune, through its Department of Physics, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, conducted a one-week online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Quantum Computing and Technologies: Foundations, Programming Exposure, and Indigenous Initiatives” from June 23rd to 27th 2026. The programme was organized in association with the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), online on a national scale.
AI & QT Group, C-DAC Pune brought its national expertise in indigenous quantum computing hardware and accelerator development, ensuring that participants engaged not only with global quantum computing concepts but also with India’s own indigenous quantum initiatives. The FDP was designed to build a strong foundation in quantum computing while exposing participants to programming frameworks, simulators, and indigenous quantum hardware initiatives in India. The programme drew an overwhelming response, with 170 verified participants completing the five days of live online sessions - a turnout that exceeded the original planning estimate. The cohort was pan-Indian and gender-balanced, with participants joining from 17 Indian States and one international centre, Al Sharqiyah North in Oman, making for 18 distinct regions in all. Maharashtra led participation with 99 attendees, followed by Karnataka (14) and Telangana (13), with the remaining states each contributing smaller but meaningful numbers.
The gender split stood at a near-parity 49% female (83 participants) to 51% male (87 participants), among the narrowest gaps typically seen in physics-led FDPs. The cohort was also strongly research-oriented: nearly half of all participants (48%, or 82 attendees) held a doctorate, while Physics and allied disciplines formed the largest single disciplinary group, accounting for 51% (86 of 170) of the registrants.
The programme unfolded across five thematic days comprising eleven technical sessions in all. Day 1, on Foundations & Emerging Quantum Technologies, opened with Prof. P. C. Deshmukh speaking on the Global Landscape and Emerging Directions in Quantum Technologies, followed by Dr. Mostazur Rahman on Quantum Algorithms and Applications for the Near-Term Era. Day 2, devoted to Quantum Programming Foundations, featured Dr. Jitendra Johi on Quantum Gates and Circuits, Dr. Aashay Pandharpatte on hands-on exposure to quantum programming frameworks, and Shri Amit Saxena on Quantum Accelerators and Simulators.
Day 3, on Quantum Applications, brought sessions by Prof. Anirban Pathak on Quantum Cryptography and Secure Quantum Communication and Dr. Jayakumar Vaithiyashankar on Quantum Machine Learning and Optimization. Day 4 turned to Quantum Hardware & National Quantum Initiatives, with Prof. Vincent Mathew covering Superconducting and Trapped-Ion Qubits and Prof. Emmanuel Pilli addressing the Physical Realization of Qubits across NMR, NV-Centres, Quantum Dots, and Neutral Atoms. The week concluded on Day 5, Capacity Building & Future Directions, with Prof. P. K. Ahluwalia speaking on Academic Preparedness for Emerging Quantum Technologies, followed by a panel discussion and valedictory session involving all faculty.
The Valedictory Session, held on June27th, 2026, welcomed Shri Sanjay Upreti, Senior Engineer and Data Scientist (IBM-Z Microprocessors), IBM Corporation, United States, as the Chief Guest. The session was graced by Shri Amit Saxena, Scientist F and Associate Director, C-DAC Pune, as the Guest of Honour. His presence underscored the AI & QT Group, C-DAC Pune's continued partnership with JSPM University, Pune, reflected through its active participation in both the technical sessions and the valedictory ceremony of the Faculty Development Programme (FDP).The session highlighted key takeaways from the week, including quantum education and curriculum development, building a skilled quantum workforce, industry–academia collaboration, quantum research opportunities in India, indigenous quantum technologies, and the challenges and future directions for the field. The session was also graced by Patrons Prof. R. S. Joshi (President, JSPM University Pune), Prof. B. B. Ahuja (Vice Chancellor), Dr. Ajit Thete (Pro Vice Chancellor), and Prof. R. S. Deshpande (Dean, Faculty of Science & Technology), along with fellow Guest of Honour Prof. P. K. Ahluwalia (National President, IAPT).
The FDP was conducted under the chief patronage of Hon. Prof. (Dr.) T. J. Sawant, Founder Secretary, JSPM Group & TSSM Group of Institutes, with Dr. Anuradha Deshpande, Dean - Academics, JSPM University Pune, serving as Academic Advisor. The programme was convened by Dr. Anirvan Gupta and coordinated by Dr. Kiran Diwate, supported by an organizing committee comprising Dr. Anand Joshi, Dr. Neha Bhatnagar, Dr. Prachi Nerkar, Dr. Kashmira Harpale, Dr. Pawan More, Dr. Pankaj Kolhe, Dr. Prasad Joglekar, Shri Shankar Wakchaure, Ms. Mayuri Kulkarni, Ms. Prafullata Chavare, and Shri Rakesh Vichare.
Concluding the programme, the organizers placed on record their special gratitude to the AI & QT Group, C-DAC Pune - for anchoring the indigenous quantum technology dimension of the FDP, alongside the Indian Association of Physics Teachers and every participant whose enthusiastic engagement made the programme a resounding success. The FDP reaffirmed JSPM University Pune’s commitment, in active partnership with C-DAC Pune, to advancing quantum education and indigenous research capacity across the country.
The organizing team is especially grateful to Ms. Lakshmi Panat, Scientist G and Head, AI & QT Group, C-DAC Pune, and Shri Sanjay Wandhekar, Centre Head, C-DAC Pune, whose guidance and institutional support were pivotal to the success of this initiative.
