AI can propel Andhra Pradesh’s growth to achieve Swarnandhra Vision 2029 goals, say speakers at a conference

Visakhapatnam

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the key technological trends that can propel Andhra Pradesh’s growth to achieve the goals of Swarnandhra Vision 2029. To achieve this, active participation of every stakeholder, from Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu to the student, is essential, according to the speakers and participants at a conference titled ‘Swarnandhra Vision 2029: Visakhapatnam Region Leading Growth & Innovation,’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Visakhapatnam Zone, at a hotel here on Friday.

CII Andhra Pradesh Chairman V. Murali Krishna has stressed the need to make Visakhapatnam as the global headquarters for AI talent through initiatives like a 500-acre Data City and University of Innovation. He also emphasised the State’s leadership in AI adoption across all sectors, transforming ‘Andhrapreneurs into AIpreneurs’ and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global AI powerhouse.

Skill Development director Amit Majumdar of Ernst & Young, said that promotion of digital literacy, skilling and innovation are much required for Andhra Pradesh to become the AI hub. Among organisations, 33% are expanding AI courses, and 37% are offering AI internships, showcasing a strong commitment to building a skilled workforce. The Andhra AI Mission and 4i AI Innovation Index will accelerate AI adoption, skill development and ethical governance creating a future-ready workforce.

On the occasion, the panel members released a CII and Ernst & Young’s report on ‘AI & the Future of Workforce in Andhra Pradesh.’

The report highlighted the impact of AI on the State’s labour market, emerging trends and upcoming challenges. According to the report, 71% of students believe that AI will create new job types, while 54% are interested in AI careers. Organisational awareness of AI is moderate (53%), with only 15% of organisations having in-house AI talent, AI will create roles such as AI & Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Experts, Robotics Engineers, Human-AI Collaboration Managers and Quantum Software Developers.

CII Visakhapatnam Zone Chairman Rajesh Grandhi has said that Visakhapatnam is potentially suitable to become Andhra Pradesh’s AI hub as it has a young workforce, 30% lower operational costs and other strategic advantages like being a Tier-2 city. He called for sustainable urban planning, proactive green initiatives and balanced development to make Visakhapatnam a vibrant and thriving model city for future generations.