Naidu firm on preparing quantum-ready workforce to make AQV a grand success

As part of resolve to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday delivered a vision-setting lecture on quantum technologies, marking the formal launch of the world’s largest quantum skilling programme in the state.

For the first time globally a Chief Minister has personally delivered a lecture on quantum technology, an official remarked. Iconic buildings will be built for the valley at Amaravati, for which the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has already allotted 50 acres..As per announcement after signing MoU for collaborating with L&T, TCS and IBM, initially the quantum valley park may be made operational during the New Year from a rented premises.

Earlier, to position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in quantum technology, it signed MoU with IBM, TCS and L&T to establish cutting-edge quantum computing infrastructure. IBM Quantum System Two with 156-qubit Heron processor will be installed to make it India’s most powerful quantum computer. TCS has agreed to democratise quantum access across 43 research centers in 17 States.

IT Secretary Bhaskar Katamneni announced at the 5th Collectors' Conference that 29 MoUs were signed with an investment of Rs.2,847 crore in the quantum valley. Investments will be made in quantum computing, allied hardware and advanced digital infrastructure.

The government hopes that AQV will anchor domestic production of qubit platforms, cryo-electronics, photonic packages, quantum chips, quantum dots, quantum readout hardware like single photon detectors, homodyne detectors, and control systems, targeting ₹ 5000 crore in annual exports by 2030.

Naidu's lecture served as the keynote address for a landmark State initiative aimed at building a future-ready quantum workforce and strengthening the AQV ecosystem. The programme is being implemented through a strategic partnership led by WISER (The Washington Institute for STEM, Entrepreneurship and Research) and Qubitech as the India partner. The initiative has already witnessed strong traction, with 50,000 registrations secured within just ten days, underscoring the enthusiasm among students and young professionals. Notably, women constitute 51 percent of the participants, reflecting the inclusive nature of the programme.

The Chief Minister addressed students through a structured presentation titled “Silicon Valley to Quantum Valley,” using a detailed PPT to outline Andhra Pradesh’s roadmap for leading the global quantum revolution. Setting the tone, the Chief Minister said, “Twenty-five years ago, I presented a vision for IT. Today, I am presenting a vision for Quantum.” Drawing a parallel, he added, “Just like Silicon Valley anchored the digital age, Amaravati’s Quantum Valley will anchor the knowledge economy of the future.”

During the lecture, the Chief Minister reflected on India’s economic history in global comparison. He spoke about missed opportunities during the agricultural and industrial revolutions, the impact of the license raj, and how restrictive policies stalled growth. He highlighted the transformative role of the 1991 economic reforms and telecom deregulation in unlocking India’s knowledge economy.

Recalling his role in establishing HITEC City in Hyderabad, he noted that the initiative created a strong foundation for the IT ecosystem, resulting in Telugu youth today forming a significant part of the global digital workforce. Describing the present moment as deeply inspiring, the Chief Minister said, “You can imagine anything. It is possible to achieve. These are very inspiring times.”

Highlighting the global success of Telugu professionals, he noted that Indian-origin households in the United States report a median income nearly double the national average, driven largely by STEM and professional employment. He cited that Telugu entrepreneurs have founded over 1,200 technology startups in Silicon Valley, over 2.5 lakh Telugu professionals hold key positions in top tech firms, and Telugu-origin leaders are at the helm of several Fortune 500 companies.

The programme was attended by Prof. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras; Prof. Satyanarayana, Director, IIT Tirupati; Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; and experts from various institutions.