Visakhapatnam Set to Become a World-Class Knowledge and Technology Hub, Says CM Chandrababu Naidu

Visakhapatnam, Dec 2025 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday outlined his vision to develop Visakhapatnam into a world-class Knowledge and Technology Hub, offering top-notch living standards and global business opportunities. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Cognizant Technologies in the city, the Chief Minister emphasized Visakhapatnam’s potential as a clean, pollution-free, and safe city with a cooperative and skilled populace.

CM Naidu highlighted that several global tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, are prepared to establish operations in the city, positioning Visakhapatnam as a critical player in the nation’s technology revolution. He said that the city, along with the surrounding districts, is being developed as an integrated economic region, driving innovation, employment, and investment.

The state government has allocated 22 acres of land for Cognizant, which is investing Rs 1,583 crore to develop an 8,000-seat facility. The company initially started operations with 1,000 associates, with a commitment to increase its workforce to 25,000 employees over time. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for eight other companies simultaneously, including Tech Tammina, Satwa Developers, Imaginnovate Tech Solutions India, Fluentgrid Limited, Motherson Technologies, Qorp Technosoft, CAN Healthcare, RCM Services, and Nanrel Technologies, marking a significant push toward industry growth.

Pointing to the abundance of talent among the youth, CM Naidu stated that young professionals from Andhra Pradesh are contributing to IT globally. He assured Cognizant of the state government’s full cooperation and urged the company to complete the campus development within a year.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Visakhapatnam will emerge as a knowledge economy and IT destination, complemented by infrastructure projects such as the Bhogapuram Airport and a focus on tourism development. Google plans to establish an AI data centre in Visakhapatnam, and several other companies are preparing to set up their operations, further strengthening the city’s technological ecosystem.

Highlighting economic advantages, CM Naidu noted that the cost of living in Visakhapatnam is 20% lower than in other major cities, making it an attractive destination for professionals and investors alike. Andhra Pradesh has attracted investments exceeding Rs 20 lakh crore, including Rs 13.5 lakh crore during the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. The Chief Minister also announced plans for a Quantum Valley in Amaravati, with the first quantum computer expected in six months, signaling the state’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The state government is prioritizing industry growth and start-ups through faster approvals, streamlined procedures, and the establishment of Escrow accounts to facilitate business operations. CM Naidu projected that Andhra Pradesh’s growth rate would soon reach 15%, underlining the state’s rapid economic transformation.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh described the establishment of Cognizant as a milestone, cementing Visakhapatnam’s position as a global technology hub. Cognizant CEO Ravikumar expressed optimism about harnessing the city’s talent and innovation potential. He also mentioned Cognizant’s other recent expansions, including delivery centres in Bhubaneswar, Indore, and the Techfin centre in Gift City, Gujarat, noting that 70% of the company’s 3.4 lakh employees are based in India.

With these developments, Visakhapatnam is poised to become a major global knowledge and technology hub, attracting investment, talent, and innovation from across the world, according to the Chief Minister’s vision.