TCS and IIT Bombay Collaborate on Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager

On May 28, 2024, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced in an exchange filing that it has entered a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-Bombay). The partnership is to develop the first Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager in India. This advanced sensing tool has the potential to unlock new levels of precision in the examination of semiconductor chips, reduce chip failures, and improve the energy efficiency of electronic devices.

Over the upcoming two years, TCS experts will collaborate with Dr Kasturi Saha, an Associate Professor in IIT-Bombay’s Department of Electrical Engineering, to develop a quantum imaging platform in the PQuest Lab. This platform aims to enhance semiconductor chip quality control, thereby boosting electrical devices’ reliability, safety, and energy efficiency.

Semiconductor chips play a pivotal role in modern electronic devices, making them efficient and smart. With the ability to process information and finish tasks, these chips act as the brain for devices across various sectors, including computing, communications, healthcare, transportation, military systems, clean energy, etc.

The partnership between TCS and IIT-Bombay is in line with the National Quantum Mission, an initiative by the Indian Government to place the country as a global quantum technology leader. An indigenous Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager integrating quantum diamond microscopy with AI/ML-powered software imaging will help India jump into the Quantum Revolution.

Speaking of this collaboration, Dr Kasturi Saha, said, “PQuest group at IIT Bombay is excited to collaborate with TCS on developing a quantum imaging platform for the non-destructive examination of chips, leveraging our extensive expertise in quantum sensing to drive innovation. By working together, we aim to transform various sectors, including electronics and healthcare, and propel India forward through groundbreaking technologies and products aligned with National Quantum Mission’s Quantum Sensing and Metrology vertical.”

The Chief Technology Officer of TCS, Dr Harrick Vin, stated, “The Second Quantum Revolution is progressing at an unprecedented speed, making it imperative to pool our resources and expertise to build cutting-edge capabilities in sensing, computing, and communication technologies.”

He further added, “Our collaboration with IIT Bombay is perfectly aligned with the National Quantum Mission’s Quantum Sensing and Metrology vertical. We firmly believe this initiative will have a transformative impact on various industries and society, with applications ranging from electronics to healthcare and beyond. By working together, we can drive innovation and create a brighter future for all.”

The company stated that this project builds upon the longstanding collaboration between TCS and IIT-B since the 1990s. This partnership has encompassed various initiatives such as joint research projects, internships, collaborative education programs, faculty development programs, and more. Notably, IIT-B was the inaugural institute to join as an academic partner for TCS’ Co-Innovation Network (COIN), a platform fostering industry-academia collaboration to pioneer solutions.

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