Andhra Pradesh marked a key moment in its science and technology roadmap with the foundation ceremony of the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV), held recently in Amaravati.

The initiative is aimed at building a dedicated ecosystem for quantum research, innovation, talent development and collaboration between industry, academia and government.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the project is planned as India’s first integrated quantum ecosystem, combining quantum computing hardware, software development, algorithm design and workforce training within a single campus.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, and Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics, RTGS and Education Nara Lokesh. The event also brought together scientists, academic leaders and senior executives from technology and engineering companies.

Several launches and memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchanges took place during the event, reflecting efforts to strengthen cooperation across sectors. These included the unveiling of the Amaravati Quantum Valley logo, announcements related to prize money for selected initiatives, and the launch of quantum cloud services by IBM and Tata Consultancy Services.

Institutional collaborations were formalised with the announcement of the IBM–TCS Quantum Innovation Center, along with plans for a Quantum Talent Hub and a Quantum Reference Facility to be established by SRM University. A quantum-safe application developed by QClairvoyance Quantum Labs was also launched. In addition, MoUs were signed with nine companies, indicating growing private sector interest in quantum technologies.

As part of the programme, dignitaries interacted with students who participated in the AQV Hackathon and with start-ups operating from Medha Towers. These interactions highlighted the focus on student engagement, entrepreneurship and early-stage innovation within the emerging ecosystem.

Senior officials and experts present included Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; senior Andhra Pradesh government officials; IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti; and technology leaders from L&T, TCS and IBM.

The Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative reflects Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to align with national science and technology priorities and to build long-term capabilities in quantum research and applications.