INOX Group, IISc Sign MoU To Set Up Quantum Materials Lab

Mumbai, Oct 17, 2024: Diversified Indian conglomerate INOX Group and premier scientific research institution Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to set up a lab that will focus on the development of topological semiconductors, a critical material for achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing, which will enable the creation of robust and error-resistant quantum states, which holds key to the future of Quantum technology.

The INOX Quantum Materials Lab would come up at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering facility at IISc. 
 
With an aim to build an indigenous Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) unit that would be commercialised, the Lab would mark a significant leap towards making advanced semiconductor and quantum technology more accessible and cost-effective in the country. The initiative would address the high cost involved in importing equipment, but would also foster the development of skilled human resources in India. The endeavours would not only benefit the semiconductor industry, but would also further the research around quantum technology, topological insulators, epitaxial ferromagnetic semiconductors, and other quantum materials. 

IISc would also offer internship opportunities to undergraduates from premium institutes carrying out research in related fields. The Institute would also conduct annual workshops on quantum technologies, besides encouraging publication of research papers and participation in global conferences. Over and above the research, the contribution made by INOX Group would be comprehensively used for developing the lab infrastructure, to development of individual tools, and ensuring technology transfer for the benefit of the industry, as well as society.

Commenting on the development, Siddharth Jain, Director – INOX Group stated, “At INOX, we believe in the power of innovation and its ability to drive future progress. Our contribution towards building the INOX Quantum Materials Lab at IISc Bangalore reflects our commitment to advancing scientific research and supporting India’s leadership in cutting-edge quantum technology, and allowing it set new benchmarks and trends. Would like to express my gratitude towards IISc for giving us this opportunity to play a role in advancing country’s intellectual prowess in futuristic technologies. We are feeling immensely proud about the prospect of working closely with an Institute, which has nurtured some of the brightest and the most erudite Indian science scholars the world has seen.”

Professor Srinivasan Raghavan, Chair of CeNSE at IISc, stated, "In line with our motto, 'from science to systems to society,' we are thrilled to partner with INOX Group to build a Molecular Beam Epitaxy unit which would be commercialised. This collaboration marks a significant step in making advanced technologies more affordable and accessible, while driving research in quantum technology and materials. With INOX Group's support, we will enhance our lab infrastructure, develop essential tools, and promote technology transfer, ultimately benefiting both industry and society."

INOX Group’s ventures - INOX Air Products and INOX India Ltd – will contribute towards the development of the LAB as a CSR initiative. INOX Air Products is an industrial gas manufacturing company, while INOX India Ltd is a global manufacturer of cryogenic equipment and solutions.