In a landmark move for India’s tech landscape, the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) has committed to establishing a Center of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum technology in Amaravati Quantum Valley, the emerging hub in Andhra Pradesh’s capital.
The agreement was formalized through a Letter of Intent signed on Friday during the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in attendance. This initiative positions Amaravati as a ‘Digital Embassy’ for secure AI, adhering to UN-level standards for sovereign and cyber-secure AI deployments.
Chief Minister Naidu shared the exciting development on social media platform X, emphasizing how this partnership will bring international best practices and global collaborations to Andhra Pradesh. ‘This will place the state prominently on the global map for trusted AI and quantum readiness,’ he stated.
Naidu also met with UNICC Director Samir Chauhan and AI Hub Head Anusha Dandapani to discuss the roadmap ahead. The summit saw the Andhra Pradesh government ink seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various companies and institutions, signaling a comprehensive push into futuristic technologies.
A key highlight is the statewide AI Tech Hub launch in collaboration with BharatGen, NexGen, and IBM India. This citizen-centric initiative promises ‘Telugu-first’ AI models that empower everyone from farmers to fishermen, with future integrations of quantum-AI capabilities.
Further bolstering the ecosystem, an MoU with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) will establish South India’s first NIELIT campus in Amaravati. As a deemed university under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, NIELIT will drive skill development in quantum and AI, strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Naidu announced training programs for 100,000 youth in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing in partnership with IBM over the next 3-5 years, focusing on industry-ready, future-proof skills. Another MoU with US-based Calibo Inc. will introduce AI curriculum frameworks, sandbox environments, faculty development, and applied programs across over 50 higher education institutions in the state.
The state-level AI Sandbox, facilitated through the Real Time Governance Society, aims to deliver smarter, faster public services tailored to citizen needs. Notably, Calibo’s founder Raj Vattikuti hails from Andhra Pradesh, marking a homecoming of world-class expertise.
These initiatives collectively catapult Andhra Pradesh into national and global leadership in AI and quantum technologies, fostering innovation, jobs, and sustainable growth.