Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announces a ₹500 crore Pan-IIT venture fund and a council to foster innovation, research, and industry linkages in Andhra Pradesh’s quest to emerge as a national technology hub, with a focus on quantum computing and deep tech sectors.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has moved to deepen the state’s push into advanced technology, announcing a ₹500 crore Pan-IIT Amaravati Venture Fund and a permanent council to link IIT alumni, universities, industry and start-ups. The plan, unveiled at the PAN IIT Andhra Pradesh Summit 2026, is intended to give the state a more organised platform for deep-tech investment, research and commercialisation.
According to reports from the summit, the new venture fund is designed to back start-ups in areas including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space and defence, healthcare, agritech and the blue economy. The Council is meant to act as a standing forum in Amaravati, bringing together educational institutions, businesses and entrepreneurs to coordinate policy, talent development and innovation support across Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu used the summit to pitch Andhra Pradesh as a future knowledge hub and said the state wants to tap the wider IIT alumni network for mentoring and curriculum support. He also said the government plans to cultivate 100 start-up mentors and 100 global IIT mentors, while encouraging entrepreneurial training from school level onwards so that students are better prepared for technology-led industries.
The chief minister also linked the state’s ambitions to broader national goals, saying Andhra Pradesh aims to contribute 50 lakh AI-skilled people towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target of one crore artificial intelligence professionals. Reports from the event said the government wants to develop a pipeline of talent for deep-tech sectors while also strengthening applied research through industry chairs in universities and technology transfer partnerships.
The summit also highlighted quantum computing as a central pillar of the state’s strategy. Naidu said commercial quantum computers could be produced within two years and pointed to mini quantum test labs and a 156-qubit system slated for Amaravati. Other reports from the event said five Q-Shiva quantum computers were unveiled under a “Make in Amaravati” initiative, with quantum operations expected to begin in February.
The wider policy push includes plans for Rayalaseema, where the government is promoting a Global Horticulture Hub and other development projects. The summit declaration, as reported by several outlets, formalised the creation of the Pan-IIT Amaravati Council and the venture fund, with the stated aim of turning promising ideas into companies, jobs and exportable technology.
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