QUANTUM COMPUTING EMERGES AS THE NEXT FRONTIER

S. Mohini Ratna
Editor, VARINDIA

The global data centre industry is undergoing a profound transformation, fueled by the dual momentum of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. These two cutting-edge technologies are converging to redefine enterprise computing, ushering in an era that demands smarter, scalable, and future-ready infrastructure.

Quantum computing represents a radical departure from traditional computing methods. Unlike  classical  systems  that  use  binary  bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers utilize qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to quantum  principles  like  superposition and entanglement. This allows them to process a massive number of computations in parallel, enabling exponential speedups for certain complex tasks.

Quantum computing unlocks breakthroughs across sectors—optimizing supply chains, accelerating drug discovery, enhancing financial modeling, and enabling quantum-safe encryption. Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, with IBM, Google, and Microsoft leading R&D. Yet, scalable, fault-tolerant systems remain 5–10 years away. Meanwhile, booming AI workloads— especially from multimodal and generative AI—are fueling a projected 31.6% CAGR in the AI data centre market, set to reach $933.76B by 2030.
 
Modern enterprise applications are becoming increasingly multimodal, integrating diverse data formats such as text, video, audio, and sensor inputs. This complexity necessitates data centres capable of supporting high-throughput, low-latency processing while maintaining energy efficiency. Colocation centres—facilities optimized for dense compute operations, smart power distribution, and cooling—are rapidly becoming the preferred model for hosting these advanced workloads.

Gartner estimates that by 2030, 80% of enterprise software will incorporate multimodal AI, a substantial leap from less than 10% in 2024. These AI systems are capable of synthesizing multiple data streams in real time to generate contextual, actionable insights. In industries such as manufacturing and logistics, such systems can enhance automation, improve safety, and optimize operations by interpreting data from video surveillance, IoT sensors, and human input simultaneously.

As AI models scale in complexity and capability, they are increasingly pushing the limits of classical infrastructure. While high-performance GPUs and TPUs like NVIDIA’s H100 currently fulfill most AI processing needs, there’s a growing interest in quantum computing as a long-term solution. Quantum systems excel at matrix operations and optimization problems—core to many AI algorithms—and could eventually complement classical computing in solving highly complex or resource- intensive tasks.

However, given the current limitations of quantum hardware, classical systems will continue to dominate AI deployments through the end of the decade. Nonetheless, the integration of quantum computing into specific high-value use cases—like drug discovery or materials research—is already underway. The foundation for quantum- augmented AI is being laid, with the expectation that, over time, these technologies will converge to unlock new possibilities in enterprise innovation.

India is emerging as a critical player in this global transformation. According to Savills India, the country’s data centre capacity is expected to grow fourfold to 4 GW IT by 2030, registering a CAGR of 23%. In the first half of 2025 alone, 162 MW IT of capacity was added, with 212 MW IT absorbed—Mumbai and Chennai accounting for the majority share. At the same time, Kolkata leads in projected growth with a 48% CAGR, followed by Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

Beyond Tier-I cities, India’s Tier-II regions such as Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, and Lucknow are fast becoming edge data centre hubs. These cities are expected to contribute more than 20% of national capacity by 2030, driven by regional demand, 5G rollout, and the need for localized content delivery.

India’s digital infrastructure boom is being supported by strong government policies, increasing cloud adoption, and significant investment from hyperscalers and enterprise tech providers. This expansion is not just about meeting domestic demand—it’s about positioning India as a global hub for data storage, processing, and AI innovation.

To stay ahead, India’s next generation of data centres must be built to accommodate both advanced AI workloads and eventual quantum computing integration. This enables quantum computers to solve complex simulations and optimization problems beyond the reach of classical systems.

This requires designing facilities with high-density compute capacity, flexible scalability, and robust energy efficiency. As the AI landscape matures and quantum computing inches closer to viability, such infrastructure will be critical in supporting enterprise transformation.

Looking toward 2030, the convergence of AI, quantum computing, and intelligent infrastructure will redefine the digital economy. These technologies will collectively revolutionize how businesses operate, how data is analyzed, and how innovation is realized. For enterprises, governments, and investors alike, the time to act is now— aligning strategies to prepare for a future shaped by disruption, opportunity, and exponential technological advancement.