TDP lauds Naidu’s ‘Quantum Valley’ push

Telugu Desam Party State president Palla Srinivasa Rao on Saturday praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, describing him as a statesman who has consistently anticipated major technology shifts.

Rao recalled Naidu’s role in promoting undivided Andhra Pradesh during India’s IT boom in the late 1990s, saying similar foresight is now driving the State’s focus on artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Drawing parallels with Hyderabad’s Hitec City, established in 1998, Rao said the Amaravati “Quantum Valley” reflects a comparable long-term strategy.

Referring to the foundation ceremony at Uddandarayunipalem on February 7, Rao said the facility is expected to house India’s first 133-qubit quantum computer. He added that core infrastructure is targeted for completion by August, with operations planned by December.

Rao highlighted Naidu’s participation in the India AI Impact Summit–2026, where the Chief Minister spoke on AI competitiveness. He said the emphasis on “sovereign AI” stresses deploying AI for public benefit while ensuring strategic autonomy.

Citing remarks attributed to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Rao said Visakhapatnam has the potential to emerge as a global AI hub. He added that Google’s proposed $15 billion investment in Andhra Pradesh is expected to create jobs.

Rao said the State has signed seven agreements in AI and quantum technologies, including collaborations with the United Nations International Computing Centre, IBM, and IIT Madras. Proposals include a Quantum University, a State AI Technology Hub, AI sandboxes, and Centres of Excellence.

He said thousands of students have begun training in quantum technologies, calling it an effort to convert “brain drain” into “brain gain.”

Rao said Naidu’s earlier IT initiatives reshaped Andhra Pradesh’s development and that the current AI–quantum push aims to position the State in emerging technology sectors. He stressed that sustained execution and policy continuity will be key.