Andhra Pradesh to Set Up India’s First AI University; Lokesh Showcases State’s Innovation and Global Collaboration Vision in Australia

Melbourne, Oct 2025 : Andhra Pradesh is set to establish India’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, marking a major milestone in the country’s higher education and innovation landscape, state Education, IT, and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh announced on Wednesday.

Currently on an official visit to Australia, Lokesh said the state government aims to integrate AI deeply into both education and governance, with an emphasis on building future-ready human capital. As part of this initiative, an AI curriculum is being introduced from the high school level, supported by newly established AI and Robotics Labs in government schools across the state.

During his visit, Lokesh held a series of strategic meetings with university officials, business leaders, and innovation experts in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, seeking to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s global partnerships in education, investment, and sports infrastructure development.

According to a statement from the Minister’s office, Lokesh participated in an Education Roundtable hosted by Queensland Trade and Investment, where he highlighted the state’s pioneering education reforms and digital governance initiatives. He underscored how Andhra Pradesh has successfully begun integrating AI into public service delivery, particularly in education, healthcare, and welfare sectors, to enhance efficiency and transparency. The roundtable was attended by senior government representatives and top universities from Queensland’s education ecosystem.

At Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus, Lokesh met Vice President (Global) Marnie Watson, who briefed him on the university’s achievements since its founding in 1975 and its global reputation for innovation, sustainability, and social justice. Lokesh explored the university’s state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and proposed the establishment of a Griffith University India Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The centre, he suggested, would serve as a hub for student exchanges, joint research, and academic collaboration.

Lokesh also invited Griffith University to collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) and leading institutions like SRM–AP, Andhra University, and VIT–AP on dual-degree programs, curriculum co-design, and global skill certification. He further extended an invitation to the university to participate in the upcoming Partnership Summit 2025 and the AP Global Education Forum scheduled for November.

In Brisbane, Lokesh attended a high-level Business Roundtable jointly organised by the Consulate General of India and the Australia–India Business Council (AIBC). Addressing the gathering, he highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s growing contribution to India–Australia trade relations, especially after the implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which has doubled bilateral trade to USD 24.1 billion.

Lokesh outlined the state’s economic resurgence under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, noting that Andhra Pradesh has attracted over ₹10 lakh crore in new investments within the past 16 months, including major commitments from Google and ArcelorMittal. He invited Australian businesses to explore the state’s industry-friendly policies, strategic location, and skilled workforce, urging them to participate in the Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam.

Later, Lokesh met Professor Cal Zenger from James Cook University’s Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, where they discussed collaboration in aquaculture genetics. He sought the university’s expertise in developing disease-resistant, high-yield shrimp and fish breeds, along with AI-based monitoring systems to improve productivity and environmental sustainability.

In a separate meeting, Lokesh engaged with senior representatives of Populous, the globally renowned sports architecture firm behind iconic projects such as the London Olympic Stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and Yankee Stadium in New York. Lokesh invited the firm to partner with Andhra Pradesh in designing world-class facilities under the state’s Sports Hub Vision, a flagship initiative spearheaded by Chief Minister Naidu to nurture sports talent and promote international-standard infrastructure.

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