Andhra signs MoU with NVIDIA to boost AI startups and education

Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step towards positioning itself as a leading center for artificial intelligence by formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global technology company NVIDIA on June 6.

The agreement, signed at the residence of Minister for IT and Higher Education Nara Lokesh in Undavalli, aims to train 10,000 students in AI skills and foster 500 AI-based startups across the state.

As part of the strategic partnership, NVIDIA will assist in setting up a dedicated AI University in Amaravati.

The tech firm will also provide advanced training modules tailored for students, especially those enrolled in engineering colleges.

Additionally, the collaboration will open avenues for students to engage in real-world projects, gain market exposure, participate in research, and receive mentorship from industry experts.

The foundation for this initiative was laid during Minister Lokesh’s meeting with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang in Mumbai in October last year.

At the time, Lokesh proposed the idea of establishing an AI university in the state.

“The proposal was met with a positive response from Mr. Huang,” Lokesh said, referring to the momentum that led to the agreement.

To support the initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government will provide robust computing infrastructure, which includes access to high-end hardware, essential software platforms, and research-grade resources.

The goal is to build an innovation-friendly ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship and advances the AI sector in the region.

The MoU was formalized by representatives from NVIDIA and the Higher Education Department.

The event was attended by NVIDIA South Asia Managing Director Vishal Dhupar, Strategic Business Director Ganesh Mahabala, Higher Education Secretary Kona Sasidhar, Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Council Chairman Madhu Murthy, and College Education Director Bharat Gupta.

This partnership is expected to accelerate the state’s aspirations of becoming a national hub for AI-led research, education, and startup innovation.