AP to Set up Knowledge Cities in Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati
Featuring an AI University, a National Center for AI and five world-class multidisciplinary universities: Lokesh
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh is establishing three Knowledge Cities -- in Amaravati, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati -- featuring an AI University, a National Centre for AI and five world-class multidisciplinary universities for education and research.
This was announced by education and IT minister Nara Lokesh, who said these would be “aligned with the vision of Golden (Swarna) Andhra 2047.” He was speaking at a conference at the Davos Congress Centre, in Switzerland, on the theme of ‘Building the Ecosystem for Intelligent Industries.’
He said, “We are utilizing AI to reduce electricity purchase costs and optimize grid management. We are seeking investments to transform Visakhapatnam into an AI and tech hub. AI integration should not only focus on increasing efficiency but also aim at social benefits, addressing inequalities and tackling areas like healthcare and climate change.”
“It is estimated that the application of AI in the intelligent industry could yield an additional $6.6 trillion in productivity globally and $9.1 trillion in revenue growth from consumers.”
An official release here said the minister met Air India managing director and CEO Campbell Wilson in Davos on Wednesday to discuss the development of the aviation sector in the state. Lokesh highlighted the achievements of the state’s air traffic, noting that the seven operational airports in AP have handled 5.251 million passengers.
He proposed to Air India the establishment of a Regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub at Visakhapatnam airport, stressing that such a facility would not only boost the local economy but also enhance the airline’s operational efficiency.
Lokesh suggested the creation of an international airport within the CRDA (Capital Region Development Authority) area, similar to Dubai, spanning 3,000 to 5,000 acres. This new airport, he felt, can play a crucial role in global aviation, attracting international traffic and investment to Andhra Pradesh.
In another meeting, the minister met Rishad Premji, executive chairman of Wipro, and explained the rapid development of IT operations in Andhra Pradesh, specifically in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati, in line with Wipro's growth strategy and regional expansion plans.
The minister emphasized the state's potential to foster an IT workforce skilled in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and renewable energy.
Lokesh also proposed the establishment of global delivery centres and R&D hubs in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
In response, Rishad Premji stated that Wipro has plans to invest around `8,000 crore in the next five years in the manufacturing and R&D sectors under its GE Healthcare division in India.
Lokesh held a meeting with Bharat Kaushal, MD of Hitachi India, at the Belvedere in Davos. He urged Hitachi to assist in implementing advanced technologies such as High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems for efficient power transmission in the state.
Kaushal announced the establishment of multi-skill development centres in Tirupati, Vijayawada and Kakinada in partnership with Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd (JCH-IN). Additionally, plans are under way to set up two more centres in Bobbili and Anantapur.