Lokesh Discusses Timeline for Vizag AI Data Centre Project with Sundar Pichai

The Hindu
The Hindu
6d ago
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Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister met with global tech leaders to advance the $15 billion AI data centre project in Visakhapatnam and promote related technology ecosystems.
Lokesh Discusses Timeline for Vizag AI Data Centre Project with Sundar Pichai
A What happened
During recent meetings in the United States, Andhra Pradesh IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh engaged with top executives from Google, Intel, NVIDIA, Adobe, and Zoom to discuss the initiation and implementation timeline of a $15 billion AI data centre in Visakhapatnam—the largest FDI by Google outside the United States. He advocated for the development of an ecosystem supporting data centre-server manufacturing and drone technology, and requested the establishment of AI research centres, high-performance computing clusters, and pilot projects in AI training and quantum simulation. Further proposals included creating centres for deep-tech startups, smart manufacturing industries, and global capability centres to enhance Andhra Pradesh's standing as an attractive destination for IT and semiconductor manufacturing sectors.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Largest FDI Outside U.S.: Google's AI data centre investment of $15 billion in Visakhapatnam represents its largest foreign direct investment outside the United States, underpinning the project's significance.

  • 2

    Support for Tech Ecosystems: Lokesh emphasized the state's capability to develop data centre-server manufacturing, drone assembly, semiconductor manufacturing, and deep-tech startup ecosystems.

  • 3

    Multi-company Engagement: Meetings with leaders of Google, Intel, NVIDIA, Adobe, and Zoom demonstrate a broad-based approach to attract varied technological investments and cooperation in Andhra Pradesh.

  • 4

    Focus on Research and Development: Proposals to establish AI research centres, high-performance computing clusters, and quantum simulators show commitment to advancing Andhra Pradesh's innovation capacity.

Takeaways

The discussions between Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister and leading technology companies underline a strategic effort to position the state as a vital hub for AI development, semiconductor manufacturing, and technological innovation. This initiative is expected to drive economic growth, advance India's technological landscape, and strengthen global tech partnerships.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence Business & Markets Startups/VC Science & Research Research World & Politics Policy & Regulation Innovation