IISc launches Wadhwani Innovation Centre to boost quantum, deep-tech startups

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has launched the Wadhwani-IISc Innovation Centre to support deep-tech and quantum research in India. The institute also organised the Quantum Pitch Fest 2026, where researchers, startups, investors, and experts shared ideas on new quantum technologies.

The new centre will support research in deep-tech, help start new startups, and encourage work with industries. According to IISc, the initiative will help turn scientific research into useful products and globally competitive startups.

The Wadhwani-IISc Innovation Centre was inaugurated by former ISRO Chairman and Apex Committee Chair AS Kiran Kumar. The event was attended by Ajay Kela, CEO and board member of the Wadhwani Foundation, and Shirshendu Mukherjee, Managing Director of the Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) India.

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IISc focus on research-to-startup push

B Gurumoorthy, Director of the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at IISc, said that quantum technology is one of the most important and fast-changing areas in science and innovation.

“Through the Wadhwani-IISc Innovation Centre, Quantum Pitch Fest, and the InQubate platform, IISc is building a collaborative system where researchers and entrepreneurs can work together to turn advanced quantum research into useful technologies and globally competitive startups,” he said.

Ajay Kela said India already has strong science and research skills , and now the focus should be on turning research into products and startups.

“Through the Wadhwani Innovation Network, we are working closely with top institutions like IISc to build stronger innovation systems that can help move new ideas from the lab to the market faster,” he said.

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Research to drive national development

Highlighting the importance of societal impact, Shri AS Kiran Kumar said technology should contribute to national development. He also stressed the need to convert research into practical outcomes and acknowledged the role of government and philanthropic support in strengthening India’s indigenous quantum technology capabilities.

AS Kiran Kumar said, technology should help in the country’s development. He also said that research should be turned into practical results and appreciated the support from the government and private organisations in building India’s own quantum technology.

He compared India’s progress in space and nuclear programmes under Vikram Sarabhai and Homi Bhabha, and said that strong leadership and continuous support are needed to build world-class technology capabilities.

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IISc launches InQubate, hosts Pitch Fest

Along with the inauguration, IISc also organised the Quantum Pitch Fest 2026, where startups, researchers, and innovators shared ideas on quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies. Selected teams will get mentorship and support to develop their startups through IISc’s entrepreneurship programmes.

The event also launched “InQubate”, a platform to help new startups in quantum technology grow faster. It will support early-stage innovators by providing mentorship, facilities, and chances to work with others.

According to IISc , InQubate will work through its wider quantum network, which includes the Quantum Research Park (QuRP), Wadhwani-IISc Innovation Centre, FQCI, and INUP. This system will help move ideas from research labs to business startups.

The institute said these efforts are part of its bigger plan to create a strong innovation system that connects research, startups, and industry. It aims to make India a global centre for deep-tech and quantum innovation.