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Andhra University to Establish Centres of Excellence in Quantum Technology, AI, and Semiconductors

Andhra University plans to establish dedicated Centres of Excellence focusing on quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and semiconductors over the next two to three years, Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar announced in Visakhapatnam.

What Happened

The announcement was made during the inauguration of a three-day international conference titled ‘Quantum-Enhanced Sustainable Technologies for AI Systems’ (QUEST-AI). The event was organised by the cluster departments of the Andhra University College of Engineering (A) with support from RUSA 2.0 funding. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar noted that following the university’s centenary celebrations, the administration is prioritising developmental initiatives aimed at quality research. He stated that the discussions at the conference are expected to guide the university in establishing three specialised laboratories within two to three years, emphasising that research in artificial intelligence and quantum technology should produce tangible societal applications rather than remaining purely theoretical.

Key Highlights

  • Centres of Excellence Planned: Andhra University intends to build three laboratories dedicated to quantum systems, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor research over a two-to-three-year period.
  • National Quantum Mission Context: Delivering the inaugural address, K.N. Satyanarayana, Director of IIT Tirupati, highlighted the Central Government’s National Quantum Mission, supported by a ₹6,000 crore outlay.
  • Hybrid Computing Model: Satyanarayana noted that quantum computing is not anticipated to replace classical computing entirely, projecting instead a hybrid model where both systems function together.
  • Integrated Ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh: The IIT Tirupati Director suggested Andhra Pradesh could build an integrated quantum-AI ecosystem connecting government, academia, start-ups, and industry leaders such as IBM and TCS.
  • Sustainability and Data Centres: Experts addressed the rapid growth of data centres in Visakhapatnam, pointing out that their significant energy and water consumption requires parallel growth in sustainable and clean power generation.
  • Global Participation: The conference brought together around 300 participants, with approximately 60 technical papers selected for presentation across engineering departments.

Why This Matters

The development points to an academic and industrial push toward advanced computing and hardware capabilities in the region. As explained by IIT Tirupati Director K.N. Satyanarayana, the emergence of data centres in Visakhapatnam provides necessary infrastructure to drive artificial intelligence, though it brings considerable energy and water demands that require sustainable solutions. International academic delegates at the conference also highlighted broader strategic opportunities. Marwan Dhamrin of Osaka University urged closer India-Japan research cooperation to build a vertically integrated society for AI and semiconductors, while Gregory J. Skulmoski from Bond University observed that India is well placed to help meet the worldwide shortage of skilled quantum technology professionals.

What to Watch Next

Conference chair V. Valli Kumari, Dean of Research and Development and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, stated that the QUEST-AI conference will become an annual fixture following this inaugural cluster-department edition. Observers will also track the concrete administrative and infrastructural steps Andhra University takes across the next two to three years to operationalise the three planned Centres of Excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three areas selected for Andhra University’s planned Centres of Excellence?

The university plans to establish laboratories focused on quantum technology, artificial intelligence systems, and semiconductors.

What is the timeline for establishing these centres?

Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar stated that the university expects to establish the three laboratories over the next two to three years.

What funding supported the QUEST-AI conference?

The conference was organised with funding from RUSA 2.0.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.