QETCI and IGF Unite to Spur UK-India Quantum Innovation

The Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI) and the India Global Forum (IGF) have announced a new partnership that represents a significant advancement in bilateral quantum technology collaboration between India and the United Kingdom. This memorandum of understanding, catalysed by the UK-India Future Forum (UKIFF), establishes a structured framework to systematically map and develop the quantum value chain across both nations, positioning this initiative as a cornerstone development within the broader UK-India Technology Security Initiative framework.

Framework for Ecosystem Mapping

The partnership centres on creating a comprehensive UK-India quantum value-chain map designed to guide collaboration from research through to market implementation. As outlined in the official announcement, QETCI and IGF will leverage the QETCI Quantum Value Chain Framework to map the quantum ecosystems of both countries, enabling the identification of win-win opportunities through structured stakeholder engagement.

According to Reena Dayal, CEO of QETCI, "The quantum value chain mapping for India and the UK can help identify complementarities and mutually beneficial areas of collaboration. Our partnership with IGF will facilitate the right collaborations and accelerate adoption of quantum technologies across sectors". This systematic approach aims to harness India's deep technical talent and rapidly growing startup base alongside the UK's advanced research infrastructure and market access capabilities.

Multi-Stakeholder Engagement and Validation Process

The partnership establishes a comprehensive validation mechanism involving stakeholders across government, academia, and industry sectors. Will Carne, Director of UKIFF, emphasised the timing of this collaboration, stating: "This MoU comes at a crucial time. It will systematically map policy junctures for co-creation and connect the two ecosystems through knowledge sharing and collaboration".

The initiative will engage diverse stakeholders to validate findings and ensure the mapping exercise reflects real-world capabilities, gaps, and complementary strengths across industry, science, and startups. This multi-sectoral approach is designed to produce a practical playbook for bilateral research and development, commercial adoption, and investment opportunities.

Deliverable Timeline and Expected Outcomes

As part of their new partnership, UKIFF and QETCI have committed to publishing an initial UK-India Quantum Value-Chain Overview by next year. This publication will serve as the first comprehensive assessment of quantum collaboration opportunities between the two nations, providing a structured foundation for future cooperation initiatives.

The partnership builds upon existing momentum in UK-India quantum cooperation, incorporating insights from IGF's plenary and roundtable sessions that have featured global leaders from government, industry, and academia. The collaboration acknowledges the growing prominence of Indian quantum startups, including QpiAI, QNu Labs, and Quantum AI Global, positioning them within a broader strategic framework for international cooperation.

Integration with Technology Security Initiative

This partnership represents a direct implementation of quantum technology priorities established under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative agreed between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer in July 2025. Under the TSI framework, both nations recognised quantum technology as an important area and agreed to expand the scope of dialogue in this domain.

The MoU advances the TSI's objectives by creating structured pathways for joint research and development, talent mobility, and commercial adoption of quantum technologies. This systematic approach addresses the practical implementation challenges that have historically limited the translation of quantum research into commercial applications across international boundaries.

Organisational Foundations and Capabilities

The partnership brings together complementary organisational strengths from both nations. QETCI operates as a Section 8 not-for-profit organisation that unites industry, academia, government, and partner councils to advance India's quantum ecosystem. Its mission focuses on accelerating and enabling quantum ecosystem development through collaborative frameworks.

The UK-India Future Forum, as an initiative of the India Global Forum, serves as a platform for businesses and policymakers to engage with emerging disruptive technologies within the UK-India corridor. UKIFF facilitates high-level engagement between business leaders, policymakers, and academia through outcome-driven programmes that culminate in major calendar events including UK-India Week and parliamentary engagements.