The Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, has unveiled a pioneering Advanced Certificate Programme in Quantum Computing & AI/ML, designed to meet the growing demand for expertise at the intersection of quantum technologies and artificial intelligence. With both sectors gaining rapid traction globally, this hybrid programme aims to build a new generation of professionals capable of developing and deploying quantum-enhanced AI systems.

Why this programme matters

Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative technology, promising computational speedups in areas such as cryptography, optimization, drug discovery, and simulation. At the same time, AI/ML continues to reshape industries via predictive modeling, autonomous systems, and data analytics. IIT Roorkee’s initiative recognizes that the synergy between quantum computing and AI/ML is becoming increasingly important: quantum hardware can accelerate AI, and AI can help design and optimize quantum circuits.

By combining the two domains, the programme prepares students not only to master quantum algorithms (e.g. quantum Fourier transform, variational quantum eigensolvers, quantum machine learning techniques) but also to integrate them with classical machine learning methods, hybrid models, and quantum-aware architectures.

Programme structure & curriculum

While full details are yet to be released, the syllabus is expected to include:

Fundamentals of quantum mechanics and quantum information

Quantum gates, circuits, and algorithms

Quantum machine learning models (e.g. QNNs, quantum kernels)

Hybrid quantum-classical architectures

Classical AI/ML foundations: regression, classification, neural networks, deep learning

Integration: how to co-design AI workflows that use quantum processing

Tools and platforms: Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane, quantum simulators, access to quantum hardware backends

Project work and capstone: real-world problems using quantum + AI

The course will likely be delivered online with lab access, hands-on projects, mentorship, and possibly short campus immersions or workshops by IIT Roorkee faculty and industry experts.

Eligibility, duration & fee

Prospective candidates are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in STEM (Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science), with a solid grounding in linear algebra, probability, and programming. Prior exposure to classical machine learning or Python is likely to be preferred.

The duration is projected in the range of 6 to 12 months, depending on whether the programme is full-time, part-time, or blended. Fee structures are not yet publicly confirmed, but IIT Roorkee’s other advanced certificate programmes in AI/ML have been priced around ₹1.25 lakh + GST in collaboration with industry partners. (For example, their “Advanced Certification in AI Engineering & AIOps” costs ₹1.25 lakh + GST.) Futurense+1

Institutional collaborators & partners

IIT Roorkee is expected to collaborate with technology firms, quantum hardware providers, and software tool developers to ensure that learners gain exposure to the state of the art in quantum-AI. Partner organizations may provide guest lectures, internship opportunities, and access to quantum backends. The programme may also leverage the Electronics & ICT (E&ICT) Academy at IIT Roorkee for infrastructure and outreach. E&ICT Academy IIT Roorkee+1

Opportunities & career paths

Graduates of this programme could find roles in:

Quantum software engineering

Quantum algorithm development

AI/ML research with quantum components

Hybrid model development in finance, logistics, materials science

R&D labs in quantum startups, national labs, technology firms

Academic and research positions focusing on quantum-AI crossovers

As India invests in quantum technologies and national quantum missions, professionals with combined quantum + AI/ML skills will be in high demand.

Challenges & considerations

Quantum computing is still maturing; hardware noise and limited qubit counts remain constraints.

Bridging theoretical quantum knowledge with practical AI system design will require careful pedagogy and mentorship.

Ensuring equitable access (costs, hardware access) will be essential for wider adoption.

The programme must continually update to stay abreast of rapidly evolving quantum and AI landscapes.

Conclusion

IIT Roorkee’s move to introduce an advanced certificate in quantum computing plus AI/ML is both timely and ambitious. It signals India’s growing intent to cultivate talent in frontier tech domains. For students and professionals eager to ride the next wave of computing evolution, this programme could serve as a gateway to innovation, research, and global impact.