Andhra Pradesh Approves India's First Dedicated Quantum and AI University Campus in Amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved the establishment of India's first dedicated Quantum and AI University campus in Amaravati by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT). The decision was finalized at the CRDA Authority meeting chaired by the Chief Minister.

NIELIT operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. The new campus will span 8.5 acres and will be fully funded through a Government of India grant-in-aid from MeitY, with a proposed investment of ₹730.7 crore over a five-year period.

The institution will concentrate on emerging deep-tech sectors, including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors, combining education, research, skilling, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Before the permanent campus is completed, academic and advanced technology skill-development programmes will begin in September 2026 at a temporary facility located at Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur. The permanent Amaravati campus will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, diploma, and executive programmes. Areas of study will cover quantum computing, quantum communication and security, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, semiconductor fabrication, chip design, Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), assembly, testing, marking and packaging (ATMP), embedded systems, and high-performance computing.

A core component of the project is the Quantum Research, Innovation and Incubation Block, covering approximately 1.2 lakh square feet. This facility will house infrastructure for quantum computing and communication, quantum photonics, quantum security, cryogenic systems, high-performance computing, cleanrooms, nano-fabrication, semiconductor technologies, chip design, data centres, and start-up incubation.

Over five years, the project aims to train approximately 8,250 learners. This includes 1,650 students through formal degree programmes and 6,600 through skilling and certification programmes. The annual intake is projected to reach approximately 3,913 learners by the fifth year.

To support academic and research initiatives, NIELIT proposes collaborations with IIT Tirupati, IIIT Sri City, Andhra University, and JNTU institutions. The permanent campus infrastructure will incorporate solar power generation, solar water heating, energy-efficient utilities, electric vehicle charging, scientific waste-management systems, smart classrooms, laboratories, hostels, and a 500-bed residential facility.

This initiative aligns with the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission, and India Semiconductor Mission, aiming to strengthen talent development, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the region.

"The establishment of a dedicated Quantum and AI University campus in Amaravati marks a strategic step forward for India's deep-tech ecosystem. By integrating academic programs with dedicated incubation facilities and aligning directly with national missions like IndiaAI and the National Quantum Mission, this initiative addresses the critical talent gap in emerging technologies. For the startup and business community, the focus on semiconductors, quantum security, and AI infrastructure will create a vital talent pipeline and foster localized innovation and R&D." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes