Andhra Pradesh Pitches Big on Tech and Green Energy at WEF 2026, Nara Lokesh Courts Global Investors

Davos, Jan 2026 : In a high-energy outreach at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026, Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for IT, Education and RTG Departments, Nara Lokesh, stepped up efforts to project the state as a preferred global destination for technology-driven and renewable energy investments. Through a series of focused, high-level meetings with top executives from leading international companies, Lokesh showcased Andhra Pradesh’s strategic advantages, investor-friendly policies and long-term vision for sustainable growth.

During the interactions, the minister outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform Visakhapatnam into a major technology and fintech hub while simultaneously accelerating renewable energy development across the state. Emphasising robust port infrastructure, a growing pool of skilled talent and a supportive startup ecosystem, Lokesh presented Andhra Pradesh as a state ready to absorb large-scale investments in emerging sectors.

One of the key meetings was with Nikhil Kamath, Founder of the leading stockbroking platform Zerodha. Lokesh proposed the establishment of a Technology Development Center in Visakhapatnam, positioning the city as a future fintech powerhouse. The proposed centre would focus on platform engineering, backend systems, trading technologies, advanced algorithms and data analytics, creating high-value employment opportunities for local talent.

Further strengthening the proposal, Lokesh invited Zerodha to partner with the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub to nurture startups and mentor young entrepreneurs across Andhra Pradesh. He also suggested launching a pioneering joint initiative with the state government to promote financial literacy among school students—an initiative described as the first of its kind in India. Kamath responded positively, assuring that Zerodha would carefully evaluate the proposals and explore areas of collaboration.

In the renewable energy sector, Lokesh held detailed discussions with Yukio Kani, Global CEO and Chairman of JERA, a Japan-based global leader in clean energy. The minister invited JERA to invest in green ammonia production facilities near key ports such as Mulpeta, Krishnapatnam and Kakinada. These locations, he said, could serve as strategic export hubs for low-carbon ammonia to Japan and other Asian markets.

Lokesh also proposed the development of large-scale solar-wind hybrid projects in the Rayalaseema region to meet growing industrial demand, along with pilot carbon-reduction initiatives at thermal power plants in partnership with AP GENCO and NTPC. Kani welcomed the proposals, noting JERA’s strong interest in building green hydrogen and green ammonia value chains in India, and committed to examining Andhra Pradesh’s investment opportunities in detail.

The minister also met Trevor Thompson, Global Managing Director of Scale AI, a leading artificial intelligence company valued at around $29 billion with clients including the U.S. Department of Defense, Meta, Microsoft and Google. Lokesh invited Scale AI to establish a Center of Excellence in Visakhapatnam, with a focus on AI innovation, safety and governance.

The proposal included setting up an AI safety and governance lab in collaboration with the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, deploying Scale AI’s platforms for government applications, and jointly rolling out AI literacy programmes across the state. Thompson appreciated Andhra Pradesh’s forward-looking approach and said the proposals would be placed before Scale AI’s board for consideration.

Taken together, these engagements reflect Andhra Pradesh’s broader ambition to emerge as a key player in global technology and sustainable energy value chains. Lokesh’s proactive investment diplomacy at Davos signals the state’s renewed focus on attracting high-quality, long-term investments that can drive economic growth, innovation and employment. The meetings also coincided with several major announcements at the forum, reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s growing stature as a competitive and future-ready investment destination.

Team Maverick.