The upcoming Google AI Hub in Visakhapatnam has emerged as a turning point for India’s digital future, combining the strengths of Andhra Pradesh and Google in a landmark partnership. The ambitious project is set to boost the rural digital economy, expand AI-powered services, and strengthen India’s presence in the global technology ecosystem.
During the signing of the MoU at the Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, AP IT, Electronics and RTG Minister Nara Lokesh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union IT & I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian joined hands to mark the start of this transformative journey.
Speaking at the event, Lokesh described the Visakhapatnam AI Hub as a project that will serve not only Andhra Pradesh and India but also the world. “This is what collaboration between the Centre and the States can achieve. When we work together, we deliver extraordinary results,” Lokesh said.
Google AI Data Hub is like a refinery for data: Lokesh
Drawing an analogy between data and fuel, Lokesh said data centres act as refineries powering the digital economy. He admitted that while the MoU was delayed by a month, the effort behind it involved ‘many unseen heroes’.
Lokesh expressed gratitude for the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and guidance from Finance Minister Sitharaman and Minister Aswini Vaishnaw, crediting their vision for turning this plan into one of India’s most advanced technology initiatives.
Preparing youth for the AI age
Lokesh stressed that upskilling the youth is key to harnessing AI’s potential. He urged India to modernise its education system, integrate AI-driven learning modules, and create career opportunities in emerging tech sectors.
“The IT revolution transformed cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Now, AI will define the next generation of smart cities,” he asserted.
To achieve this, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu merged the Education and IT portfolios under a single ministry, ensuring that curriculum design and technology adoption move in sync. Lokesh added that he aims for real-world impact through this integration, citing the success of Real-Time Governance (RTG), a system already using AI tools to improve the lives of farmers, workers, and marginalised groups.
One Entrepreneur One Family: The Andhra Vision
Lokesh reaffirmed CM Naidu’s vision of ‘one entrepreneur one family’ and emphasised that Andhra Pradesh executes every decision with precision and measurable results. “Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, our projects often become national and global benchmarks,” he noted, calling on Google to remain an active partner in Andhra’s innovation journey.
Concluding his address, Lokesh described the Vizag AI Hub as a gateway to the next technological revolution.
“Andhra Pradesh has always led the way in adopting cutting-edge technologies. Under CM Naidu’s visionary guidance, we will continue to lead — and this project marks a golden chapter in that legacy,” Lokesh said
