Chandrababu Naidu pitches Quantum Valley in Amaravati, seeks help from 5 lakh IITians

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has made a direct pitch to the five lakh-strong PanIIT alumni network: bring your ideas, technology and entrepreneurial experience back into nation-building.

Addressing the PanIIT Andhra Pradesh Summit in Vijayawada, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh needed the “creative and innovative ideas” of IIT graduates, including disruptive thinking.

The summit also saw PanIIT and the state sign multiple agreements covering startups, research and technology transfer.

AMARAVATI'S QUANTUM VALLEY PLAN

Naidu wants Amaravati to emerge as a major hub for quantum technology. He announced a Rs 500 crore PanIIT Amaravati Deep Tech Venture Fund and plans for an IIT Research Park in the capital.

A PanIIT Amaravati World Council will also be established. IITs are expected to mentor state universities and help create Centres of Excellence.

Naidu also launched five Q-Shiva quantum computers made in Amaravati and said the first quantum computer would begin functioning in the city on February 3, 2027.

AI EDUCATION FROM CLASS 6

The technology push will also enter schools. Naidu announced that AI and entrepreneurship skills will be taught to students from Class 6 onwards in Andhra Pradesh.

The state is also planning initiatives spanning semiconductors, aerospace, defence, drones and space technology.

At the summit, Naidu said the goal was to make people talk about “Quantum Valley in Amaravati” just as they talk about Silicon Valley.

He also proposed linking the Ganga and Cauvery rivers, preceded by a Godavari-Cauvery link, as part of a larger national water grid plan.

(With PTI inputs)