From Our Correspondent
Meetings with Google, Intel, Nvidia, Zoom and Adobe highlight Andhra Pradesh’s push to become a global technology hub
San Francisco: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh met Google CEO Sundar Pichai to review progress on the company’s $15-billion AI Data Centre coming up in Visakhapatnam — billed as Google’s largest FDI outside the United States. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian and Global Networking VP Bikash Koley also joined the meeting.
Lokesh requested Google’s support in strengthening the server-manufacturing ecosystem through partners such as Wistron and urged the company to establish a drone assembly, calibration and testing unit in AP’s upcoming Drone City project.
Pichai said Google was expanding cloud regions in India and supporting startups through its accelerator programmes. He said Google Wings drones are already being contract-manufactured with Foxconn in Chennai and promised to evaluate AP’s proposals.
AP Seeks Intel ATMP Plant and AI Research Centre in Amaravati
In a meeting with Intel IT CTO Shesha Krishnapura at the company’s Santa Clara headquarters, Lokesh pitched Andhra Pradesh as a prime location for semiconductor investment. He urged Intel to consider setting up an ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking & Packaging) unit in the state, noting AP’s strong infrastructure, statewide political backing and strategic location within the Vizag–Chennai Industrial Corridor.
Lokesh also proposed establishing an “Intel–Amaravati AI Research Centre” in partnership with IIIT Sri City or IIT Tirupati, and sought Intel’s support for HPC clusters, AI research, semiconductor training labs and integration of Intel’s skill programmes into engineering and polytechnic curricula.
Nvidia Asked to Launch Smart Factory Pilot
Lokesh met Raj Mirpuri, Vice-President (Enterprise & Cloud Sales), Nvidia, and sought the company’s collaboration in AI skilling, smart manufacturing and digital governance.
He proposed a Smart Factory Pilot Project using Nvidia Omniverse and Isaac Sim platforms, and requested support in attracting Nvidia’s global OSAT/ATMP manufacturing partners to invest in AP. Lokesh also urged Nvidia to link AP’s deep-tech startups to its $850-million global fund.
Zoom Invited to Set Up Development Centre in Andhra Pradesh
Lokesh held discussions with Zoom’s President of Product & Engineering Velchamy Sankarlingam and COO Aparna Bawa, inviting them to set up an R&D or engineering development centre in Amaravati or Visakhapatnam, along with a Global Capability Centre in Vizag.
He emphasised Zoom’s role in transforming digital education and sought support for virtual classrooms connecting expert teachers in cities with students in remote villages. Lokesh also proposed a state-wide telemedicine network powered by Zoom to link rural clinics with district hospitals.
Adobe GCC and Pharma Collaboration
In a meeting with Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Lokesh urged the company to establish a Global Capability Centre or development hub in Visakhapatnam. He also sought Adobe’s support in linking Andhra Pradesh with leading U.S. tech firms like Intel, AMD and Applied Materials to build fabless design and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.
Lokesh further encouraged Narayen — who sits on Pfizer’s board — to explore vaccine or biologics manufacturing at AP’s pharma zones and AMTZ, and to support clinical trials and digital health pilots in partnership with state institutions. He also invited investment interest from KKR, where Narayen serves as a director.
Together, the meetings mark Andhra Pradesh’s most ambitious international tech outreach, signalling its intent to position Amaravati and Visakhapatnam as world-class hubs for AI, semiconductors, digital manufacturing, drones, cloud computing and creative technologies.