Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Department of Information Technology will collaborate with UNESCO to celebrate 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar announced on Wednesday.The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to mark the centenary of modern quantum mechanics, pioneered by Nobel Prize-winning German physicist Werner Heisenberg. Recognising the transformative potential of quantum science, the Maharashtra government is committed to advancing research, innovation, and capacity-building in this domain.Shelar stated that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a "Developed India 2047." In 2023, the Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission under the Ministry of Science and Technology to create new opportunities in the country’s quantum sector."Maharashtra is actively engaging with global and national institutions in this field, taking significant steps towards becoming a leader in quantum technology," Shelar said.As part of this ambitious initiative, the Maharashtra Information Technology Department will organise conferences, workshops, and expert lectures for students, researchers, and industry professionals. This programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Quantum Mission, and the Ministry of Education to promote skill development, technical education, and industrial advancement, the Minister added.Additionally, the Maharashtra government plans to partner with Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University to introduce quantum-related skill development programmes. Discussions are also underway with the central government to establish a ‘Quantum Centre of Excellence Lab.’Maharashtra’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, set up under a high-level expert task force, has already integrated quantum technology into its curriculum. Furthermore, the Maharashtra AI Policy Task Force and the Cybersecurity Policy Task Force are examining the implications of quantum technology and will incorporate relevant insights into their policy recommendations, Shelar stated.