Andhra Pradesh emerging as a hub for technology, investment and innovation, says Lokesh in Davos

Andhra Pradesh HRD N. Lokesh highlighted the State’s emerging role as a hub for advanced technologies, global investments, and innovation during the World Economic Forum engagements in Davos.

In meetings with Accenture CSO Manish Sharma, Mr. Lokesh proposed establishing a Global Delivery Centre in Visakhapatnam, leveraging the city’s infrastructure, talent pool, and tech ecosystem for AI, cloud, and digital operations.

He urged support in building a digital talent pipeline and strengthening startup ecosystems through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH).

Mr. Sharma said Accenture had invested heavily in AI talent, with India as a key focus.

At a separate meeting with Cambridge University Vice-Chancellor Debbie Prentis, Mr. Lokesh discussed joint research and curriculum development, including climate awareness and advanced skills programmes for students, and collaborations with universities in Andhra and IIT-Tirupati on AI, data science, and engineering initiatives.

Addressing the World Economic Forum Quantum Computing Summit, Mr. Lokesh announced that Andhra Pradesh would host South Asia’s most powerful quantum computer by July 2026 in the State’s Quantum Valley Innovation District, in partnership with IBM and TCS.

The initiative would integrate research, Ph.D and postdoctoral programmes, industry-ready quantum skill pipelines, and startup incubation, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a national hub for quantum technologies.

In discussions with WEF officials and global tech leaders, including Tech Mahindra CEO Mohit Joshi, he emphasised supporting AP-based startups, skill development centres, cyber-security, smart manufacturing, and applied research labs.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s investment-friendly environment, Mr. Lokesh noted the ‘Speed of Doing Business’ model, aiming to make the State a ‘Day-Zero Ready’ destination by 2035, with parallel processing of approvals, MSME parks in all districts, and real-time digital governance to reduce delays.