AP’s First Google AI Lab Inaugurated in Guntur

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh’s first Google AI Lab has been inaugurated at the Vadlamudi campus of Vignan’s University in Guntur district on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards strengthening education and research in artificial intelligence.

Google Cloud regional head (Education) Navisha Prabhakar inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility established by the Department of Advanced Computer Science and Engineering in collaboration with Gemini Enterprise for Education.

Addressing the gathering, Navisha described the launch of Google AI Lab as the beginning of a transformative technological journey that would prepare students, researchers, and faculty members for an AI-driven future. She pointed out that artificial Intelligence is creating opportunities across sectors, such as fintech, healthcare, robotics, engineering, automation, and quantum computing. She asked students to focus on innovation and real-world problem-solving.

The regional head said Google would support the university through research collaborations, innovation projects, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning initiatives, enabling students to become globally competitive technology creators, rather than mere consumers.

Henotic Group, a Google partner organisation, CEO B. Mallesu said Vignan is the first university in the state to establish a Google AI Lab. He announced that several Centres of Excellence would be set up in engineering, technology, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, and management institutions. He said students and faculty will gain access to Gemini Enterprise for Education, the same advanced AI platform used by leading IT companies, thereby providing practical exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI technologies.

Vignan Educational Institutions chairman Dr. Lavu Rathaiah said the AI Lab would function as a centre for innovation and problem-solving, rather than a symbolic facility. He noted that AI could drive transformative solutions in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and the blue economy. He asked students to prepare themselves for future industry demands.

Vignan’s University CEO Dr. Meghana Koorapati said the institution aims to transform its campus into a true AI hub and produce industry-ready professionals equipped with advanced AI skills.

Those who attended the programme included university administrators, faculty members, and students.