The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Andhra Pradesh government have signed eight agreements to foster innovation and development.

The collaboration focuses on ‘transformative initiatives’ in areas including deep-tech innovation, digital skilling, aviation, maritime research, and governance systems, promising a major boost to the state’s growth trajectory.

As part of the agreement, IIT Madras will provide consultancy to the Andhra Pradesh government on establishing a deep-tech incubation park at Amaravati. The institute will also facilitate partnerships for the Government with international universities, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IITM said.

IITM, through its initiatives such as SWAYAM Plus and Vidhya Shakti, will offer skilling programmes to students and teachers across Andhra Pradesh. The programmes, the director added, implemented in partnership with volunteer organisations, seek to elevate the quality of education and prepare the workforce for a digital future.

Speaking about the collaboration, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said: “Met with a delegation from IIT Madras, led by Director Prof. Veezhinathan Kamakoti to explore transformative collaborations for Andhra Pradesh.”

Met with a delegation from IIT Madras, led by Director Prof. Veezhinathan Kamakoti to explore transformative collaborations for Andhra Pradesh. @iitmadras pic.twitter.com/nJGkhHbU1I

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) November 15, 2024

IIT Madras will work on boosting the aviation industry in Andhra Pradesh by supporting the development of Kuppam and Puttaparthi as logistics and maintenance hubs. This initiative is expected to open up new avenues for economic growth in the region, Prof. Kamakoti said adding that it will also work with the AP government to impart a thrust to maritime research, communications and coastal energy harvesting technologies.

Vizag’s role as an international internet gateway will be strengthened through IIT Madras’ expertise in global data connectivity. This move, the professor said, is expected to transform Vizag into a critical hub for digital infrastructure.

In Amaravati, IIT Madras will assist in the creation of a Smart Tech-Enabled Sports City, combining technology with infrastructure to position the city as a hub for sports innovation.

Leveraging its expertise in data science and artificial intelligence, IIT Madras will support the development of real-time governance systems and software infrastructure for Andhra Pradesh, enhancing efficiency and decision-making processes.