Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a significant meeting with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, to discuss advancing the state’s ambitions as a leading hub for science, technology, and innovation. The meeting, held on 23 May 2025, focused on securing Central support to boost Andhra Pradesh’s emerging technology initiatives.
During the discussions, CM Naidu presented several key proposals aimed at transforming Andhra Pradesh into a modern hi-tech and innovation-driven state. These included establishing a national supercomputing facility in Tirupati to support advanced research, developing the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam as a premier science and technology ecosystem, and setting up a CSIR laboratory in the state.
The Chief Minister also proposed the creation of a dedicated biotech park and a biotechnology university to strengthen research and industry linkages in life sciences. Furthermore, he expressed strong interest in including Andhra Pradesh under the National Quantum Mission, envisioning the state as a future quantum technology hub.
Emphasizing the need for better utilization of the Central Government’s “Vignan Dhara” scheme, CM Naidu called for enhanced collaboration to empower grassroots innovation and scientific research capabilities within the state. He also sought Central assistance to enhance agri-tech solutions for farmers and requested support in branding Andhra Pradesh as a destination for cutting-edge technologies such as deep tech and integrated innovation platforms.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh welcomed the state’s proactive vision and assured that all proposals would be given due consideration in coordination with key scientific departments such as CSIR, DBT, and DST. He stressed the importance of involving state governments in national flagship missions and highlighted the need for adherence to policy frameworks to ensure inclusive and effective implementation.
The meeting marks a renewed commitment to deepen Centre-State collaboration in science and technology, potentially catalyzing a new era of innovation-led development in Andhra Pradesh with strong Central backing.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
