Our Goal is to Make Andhra Pradesh No. 1 State: Nara Lokesh
IT and Education Minister pitches DeepTech, Amaravati and investment-led growth at Pan-IIT Andhra Pradesh Summit
- Lokesh targets No. 1 position for Andhra Pradesh.
- State seeks growth in DeepTech and emerging technologies.
- Amaravati positioned as a future global capital.
- Pan-IIT summit explores DeepTech investment and innovation.
GG News Bureau
Vijaywada, 3rd Oct: Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT and Education Nara Lokesh said the state aims to emerge as India’s leading region by leveraging its talent, technology and investment opportunities, while building an ecosystem capable of driving the country’s DeepTech ambitions.
Addressing the Pan-IIT Andhra Pradesh Summit 2026 in Vijayawada, Lokesh said the state was pursuing opportunities across sectors including horticulture, space technology, drones, quantum computing and data centres.
“Our goal is to make Andhra Pradesh the No. 1 state in the country. We need all your support to achieve this,” Lokesh said.
He invited IIT directors, alumni, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to contribute ideas and expertise to the state’s development plans. He said Andhra Pradesh wanted to attract global talent and advanced technologies while creating world-class opportunities for its young population.
Lokesh called for stronger links among the 23 IITs, global alumni, investors, industry and research institutions to establish Andhra Pradesh as a destination for DeepTech and high-value investments.
He also highlighted the government’s vision for Amaravati, saying the proposed capital city could develop into a globally recognised urban centre. He urged summit delegates to visit the capital region and understand the development plans being pursued under the state’s Swarna Andhra 2047 vision and the national Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was the chief guest at the summit, also highlighted emerging technologies and research-led innovation as key components of Andhra Pradesh’s development strategy. He referred to plans to develop quantum computing capabilities in Amaravati and expand advanced technology applications across sectors.
Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, stressed the importance of research and technology development for India’s long-term growth, while Professor B.S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, highlighted the summit’s role in advancing discussions around technology and innovation.
The summit also discussed proposals including a Pan-IIT Amaravati Council, a DeepTech venture fund, technology-transfer mechanisms, industry-backed academic chairs and a global IIT mentor network.
The Pan-IIT Andhra Pradesh Summit brought together IIT leadership, industry executives, investors, startup founders and policymakers to discuss technology, investment and development opportunities in the state.
