Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, 3 June approved Maharashtra's first-ever Quantum Policy and Deep Tech Policy, making the state the first in India to roll out a comprehensive framework covering the entire deep tech ecosystem. The twin policies, cleared at a high-level meeting in Mumbai, are aimed at accelerating research, investment and high-skilled job creation in advanced technology sectors.

Key Developments

The Maharashtra government has positioned the policies as a structural push to build a global technology hub, with an explicit focus on quantum computing and frontier deep tech segments. “These two policies will be instrumental in boosting research, innovation, investment, and high-skilled job creation in the state,” said Fadnavis, adding that the rollout would provide a “massive impetus to high-tech investments, cutting-edge research, and employment opportunities”.

What the policies cover

While detailed sectoral guidelines are awaited, the framework is expected to address quantum computing research, deep tech start-up support, talent pipelines and industry-academia linkages. Maharashtra's first-mover claim positions it ahead of states such as Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, which have so far focused largely on broader IT and electronics policies rather than deep tech-specific frameworks.

Malad media hub gets the green light

In a parallel decision, Fadnavis approved a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — a joint venture between the Government of Maharashtra and Prasar Bharati — to develop an Integrated Film and Television Media Hub on All India Radio land in Malad. Of Prasar Bharati's 278-acre land parcel, around 150 acres are proposed for joint development alongside Film City.

Since the site falls under No Development Zone (NDZ) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, the state will pursue statutory clearances and modifications to the Development Control Regulations to unlock full-scale development. A joint committee will be set up to expedite the Detailed Project Report (DPR), and a consultancy firm will be appointed for a pre-feasibility study and infrastructure master plan.

What's next

The Chief Minister has directed that all project components and the final development plan be finalised by the end of June. The proposed hub will house film studios, sound stages, hospitality services, IT and ITES infrastructure, tourism projects, and international-standard film and music training institutes in collaboration with global educational institutions, according to the government release. With most of All India Radio's broadcasting shifting to FM systems, the surplus land is being repurposed to expand the state's media and entertainment footprint.