The National Conference on Quantum Biotechnology was hosted by QMet Tech Foundation at the PC Saxena Auditorium on the IIT Bombay campus, bringing together India's quantum science and life sciences communities including researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, startups, and students. The one-day conference aimed to advance the translation of quantum science into practical applications including diagnostics, biomedical imaging, drug discovery, and precision medicine, in alignment with India's National Quantum Mission.
Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), delivered the keynote address highlighting the strategic importance of quantum biotechnology. QMet Tech Foundation serves as the thematic hub (T-hub) for Quantum Sensing & Metrology established under the National Quantum Mission at IIT Bombay with support from DST. The conference focused on quantum biotechnology as an emerging frontier where quantum-grade measurement can address biological questions that conventional instrumentation cannot reach.
Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, emphasized the institute's role in convening interdisciplinary national platforms, stating that working on all sides of technology in an integrated manner is essential for advancing India in the technology domain. Prof. Kasturi Saha, Project Director of QMet Tech Foundation, highlighted their quantum sensing capabilities and the need to apply them to unanswered biological questions through collaboration between physicists, biologists, and industry.
Hardik Joshi, CEO of QMet Tech Foundation, noted significant industry interest in quantum biotechnology and outlined QMet Tech's role in converting this interest into deployable technology by supporting startups, developing talent, and creating manufacturing and testing capabilities for clinical applications. The program featured three structured sessions focusing on quantum for biology and the academic landscape, translating quantum biosensors from lab to industry, and innovating for applications in biosensing, followed by a panel discussion on 'Quantum Biotechnology in India: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Forward'.
Participants included Dr. JBV Reddy, Head of Quantum Technology Cell at DST; Dr. Rajneesh Gaur, Scientist 'F' at Department of Biotechnology (DBT); Prof. Himadri Dhar from IIT Bombay; Prof. Swaroop Ganguly from IIT Bombay; and Mr. Hardik Joshi from QMet Tech Foundation. The conference reinforced the National Quantum Mission's objective of building a collaborative, application-driven quantum ecosystem and positioning quantum-enabled life sciences as a priority frontier for India's research and healthcare innovation agenda.