Global tech giant Google and the Andhra Pradesh government have joined hands to explore a significant opportunity in artificial intelligence (AI) in Visakhapatnam, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Wednesday, December 11.
Addressing a district collectors’ conference at the state secretariat, the Chief Minister revealed that an agreement signed between Google and the state would accelerate the development of the port city.
“Recently, when IT Minister Nara Lokesh visited the United States, he engaged with Google executives at their campus and invited them to Andhra Pradesh. The outcome of those discussions is the signing of an MoU with Google,” said Naidu. “We are looking at a big opportunity in AI,” he added.
Highlighting the potential of the partnership, Naidu noted that Google executives had visited Visakhapatnam to conduct a survey and were impressed with the city’s prospects. “If global firms like Google invest in Visakhapatnam under strategic initiatives, it will be a game changer,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister elaborated that the collaboration would focus on developing data centres, AI, machine learning (ML), deep technology, and internet sea cables, transforming Visakhapatnam into a global service hub. “These initiatives will enhance the city’s strategic importance and create new opportunities for employment and growth,” he said.
Naidu credited the state’s progressive industrial policies for fostering a business-friendly ecosystem that has been instrumental in attracting investments.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister met with a Google delegation led by Vice President Bikash Koley in Amaravati. Naidu shared the developments on Twitter, stating, “Following up on the MoU signed between the GoAP and @Google, I met a Google delegation led by VP, Mr Bikash Koley in Amaravati today. The delegation provided an overview of their operations and shared their ambitious plans in India.”
He emphasized the significance of Andhra Pradesh being identified as a key partner in Google’s India strategy. “Collaborations with global technology leaders like Google will empower our state and contribute to India’s digital growth story,” Naidu said.
