Chandrababu Naidu seeks IIT alumni support to make Andhra Pradesh a global knowledge hub, with a ₹500-crore DeepTech venture fund and Pan-IIT Amaravati Council.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for greater collaboration between IIT alumni, educational institutions, industry and the State government to transform Andhra Pradesh into a global knowledge hub.
Addressing the media after the Pan-IIT Andhra Pradesh Summit 2026 in Vijayawada on Saturday, Mr. Naidu said the collective expertise of IIT professionals could play a crucial role in accelerating the State's technological and economic development.
He said India's 23 IITs had produced nearly five lakh graduates, many of whom were making significant contributions across sectors around the world. The Pan-IIT summit, he said, provided a platform for experts from diverse fields to exchange ideas, discuss emerging technologies and explore opportunities to convert innovation into practical applications.
The Chief Minister said the proposed establishment of the Pan-IIT World Council in Amaravati would create one of the world's largest academic and professional networks.
The participation of a large number of IIT alumni from across the country reflected the growing recognition of Andhra Pradesh as an emerging destination for technology, innovation and knowledge-based development, he said.
The State government intends to leverage the collective knowledge and expertise of nearly five lakh IIT alumni to accelerate development. The initiative would also facilitate the creation of a network of 100 startup mentors to guide entrepreneurs and strengthen Andhra Pradesh's startup ecosystem.
Mr. Naidu said the Pan-IIT Council would provide recommendations for the State's Deep Tech Policy and help Andhra Pradesh develop capabilities in advanced technology sectors.
The areas identified include quantum computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space and defence, healthcare, agritech and water technologies.
The council would also help update academic curricula in line with rapidly changing technological requirements and industry needs. The government would focus on developing entrepreneurial skills among students from the high-school level, with support from the IIT network.
The Chief Minister highlighted the State's plans to build a strong ecosystem around quantum technology.
He said quantum technology companies had indicated that commercial quantum computers could be manufactured within the next two years. Mini quantum test laboratories, including Q-Shiva systems, were also being made available even before the proposed 156-qubit quantum system becomes operational in Amaravati.
He said the quantum computer being jointly developed by IBM, TCS and L&T would soon begin operations from Amaravati, further strengthening the capital region's position in advanced technology.
The State's long-term objective, he said, was not merely to use quantum computing technology but also to develop manufacturing capabilities and eventually export quantum computing equipment.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national goal of developing one crore AI professionals, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had set an ambitious target of contributing 50 lakh AI-skilled professionals to the national mission.
The Pan-IIT network would be leveraged to support skill development, curriculum reforms and industry-oriented training, he said.
The Chief Minister said the collaboration between the government and IIT alumni would help bridge the gap between academic education and the requirements of emerging technology industries.
A major outcome of the summit was the release of the Pan-IIT Amaravati Summit 2026 Declaration under the leadership of Mr. Naidu.
The Andhra Pradesh government and representatives of Pan-IIT Alumni India signed the declaration, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Pan-IIT Amaravati Council in partnership with the State government and Pan-IIT Alumni India.
The council will serve as the nodal institution for DeepTech development in Andhra Pradesh.
The declaration proposes the establishment of a ₹500-crore Pan-IIT Amaravati Venture Fund to promote DeepTech startups, innovation and investments.
The council will coordinate with universities, educational institutions, industries and startups across Andhra Pradesh to strengthen the State's innovation ecosystem.
The declaration also envisages establishing 10 Industry Chairs in universities and educational institutions in partnership with industry. The initiative is aimed at strengthening research, skill development and industry-academia collaboration.
A network of 100 global IIT mentors will also be created to guide startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh.
Mr. Naidu also highlighted the government's initiatives aimed at transforming Rayalaseema into a prosperous region.
He said the Global Horticulture Hub project had been launched with the objective of changing the economic and agricultural landscape of the region.
He added that Reliance Industries had come forward to support the establishment and operation of the Indian School of Agriculture.
The Chief Minister said the Pan-IIT Amaravati Council, venture fund, industry-academia partnerships and technology transfer initiatives would create a structured mechanism to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions, new enterprises and employment opportunities.
The government, he said, would work with IIT alumni and technology experts to position Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India's emerging DeepTech and knowledge economy.
