Andhra University has announced plans to establish Centres of Excellence in quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors in Visakhapatnam. Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar said the university could develop the proposed laboratories over the next two to three years as it strengthens research and innovation after its centenary celebrations. The announcement was made at the QUEST-AI international conference, which brought together academics, researchers and industry experts. Speakers also highlighted the National Quantum Mission and the opportunity to develop an integrated quantum-AI ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra University Unveils Plans for Centres of Excellence in Quantum Technology, AI and Semiconductors
Andhra University has announced plans to set up Centers of Excellence in quantum technology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Visakhapatnam is set to become a hub for emerging technologies and advanced research.
Andhra University’s quantum technology initiative was in the limelight at the inaugural session of the three-day international conference on Quantum-Enhanced Sustainable Technologies for Artificial Intelligence Systems (QUEST-AI) held in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.
Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar, speaking at the event, said the institution plans to establish Centers of Excellence on quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and semiconductors in the coming years.
The conference was organized by the cluster departments of the Andhra University College of Engineering (A) and brought together academics, researchers, industry experts and international delegates to discuss emerging technological developments.
G.P. Raja Sekhar said that after the completion of the university’s centenary celebrations, Andhra University is focusing on quality-centric developmental activities to strengthen research and innovation capabilities.
G.P. Raja Sekhar said the discussions during the conference are expected to help the university in its efforts to set up the proposed laboratories in the next two to three years.
He added that research in quantum technology and artificial intelligence should not be limited to theoretical studies, but should be translated into practical solutions that can help overcome societal challenges.
National Quantum Mission and Andhra Pradesh's Technology Vision
In his inaugural address, Director of IIT Tirupati, K.N. Satyanarayana, spoke about the Union Government’s National Quantum Mission, which has been launched with an allocation of ₹6,000 crore.
According to K.N. Satyanarayana, quantum computing will not be able to completely replace classical computing. "I think the future of innovation will be driven by a hybrid approach that combines the two technologies," he said instead.
There is an opportunity for Andhra Pradesh to build a comprehensive quantum-AI ecosystem by bringing together government agencies, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, start-ups and technology partners including IBM and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), he said.
K.N. Satyanarayana also linked the conference theme to the growing technology infrastructure of Visakhapatnam, saying the city was witnessing the setting up of data centers required for supporting AI-driven applications.
He stressed that data centers consume a lot of energy and water and therefore sustainability will be a key issue in future discussions on artificial intelligence and the building of digital infrastructure.
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International Experts Highlight Collaboration and Sustainability
Marwan Dhamrin, Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Japan, has called for greater research collaboration between India and Japan in the area of advanced technology.
Marwan Dhamrin said India needs to build what industry leaders call a vertically integrated ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence development and related technological advances.
Dr Nabil Mohammed, a lecturer in Electrical Engineering at Federation University, Australia, stressed the need to ensure clean energy development keeps pace with the growth of data center infrastructure.
One of the biggest issues for future technology ecosystems, said Nabil Mohammed, will be producing enough electricity from sustainable sources to run increasingly sophisticated AI-powered facilities.
India is well placed to help address the global shortfall of skilled professionals in quantum technologies, said Gregory J. Skulmoski, Associate Professor of Project Management at Bond University, Australia.
The conference was also attended by K. Venkata Subbaiah, Principal, Andhra University College of Engineering (A), who welcomed the delegates and distinguished guests to the conference.
Dean (R&D) and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, V. Valli Kumari, said that around 60 research papers were selected for presentation in the technical departments.
V. Valli Kumari said that the conference has been organized with support from RUSA 2.0 funding and is expected to become an annual event. Around 300 participants are attending the conference.
Sprouts News notes that the university’s plans are indicative of the increasing momentum behind India’s quantum computing, semiconductor and artificial intelligence ambitions. The proposed centers could increase research capacity, while promoting innovation, industry collaboration and workforce development in emerging technologies.
