Andhra Pradesh launches AI Living Labs Foundation for skilling

Andhra Pradesh has approved the creation of the AI Living Labs Foundation, a Section 8 not-for-profit entity that will build AI infrastructure, drive research, and develop large-scale skilling programmes through a statewide hub-and-spoke model to accelerate innovation, industry adoption, and workforce readiness.

Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step toward strengthening its technology ecosystem with the approval of the AI Living Labs Foundation, a dedicated not-for-profit platform designed to advance artificial intelligence education, research, and innovation across the state. Structured as a Section 8 company, the foundation will function as a central force in building a collaborative AI ecosystem that supports students, startups, researchers, industries, and government departments.

The initiative aligns closely with the state’s broader vision of making AI accessible at the grassroots level, with the ambitious goal of enabling “one AI-trained individual per family.” By combining infrastructure, knowledge, and industry collaboration, the government aims to ensure that AI adoption is not limited to elite institutions but becomes part of mainstream learning and economic development.

At the core of the initiative is a hub-and-spoke model. Central hubs will house advanced infrastructure such as GPU computing clusters, specialised AI development tools, and curated datasets. These hubs will support multiple spoke centres distributed across districts, allowing institutions and innovators statewide to access high-end AI resources without the need for heavy individual investment. This shared infrastructure approach lowers entry barriers and promotes inclusive participation in advanced technology development.

Beyond infrastructure, the AI Living Labs Foundation will play a critical role in curriculum development and skill-building. The foundation will design structured training programmes, certification courses, and industry-aligned modules to prepare learners for real-world AI applications. These efforts are aimed at building a future-ready workforce capable of supporting emerging technology-driven sectors and contributing to the state’s digital economy.

Research and innovation will form another pillar of the foundation’s mandate. The Living Labs will focus on developing practical AI solutions, including advanced AI models and large language models. Importantly, the emphasis will be on real-world applications in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and fintech. By targeting these industries, the initiative seeks to solve local challenges while creating scalable solutions with wider commercial and social impact.

The foundation’s governance and operational model are structured to ensure transparency and long-term sustainability. Funding will come from a mix of government grants, corporate social responsibility contributions, and strategic partnerships with industry and academic institutions. Clear policies related to governance and intellectual property management will guide collaborations, ensuring that innovation is protected while encouraging shared progress.

With this move, Andhra Pradesh positions itself as a forward-looking state that recognises AI not just as a technology trend, but as a foundational driver of economic growth, employment, and social transformation. By integrating infrastructure, education, research, and industry partnerships under one umbrella, the AI Living Labs Foundation could become a model for how states can build inclusive and innovation-led AI ecosystems.