Lokesh announces Naipunyam skill portal, unveils A.P.’s Quantum Policy at CII Summit

Amaravati’s Quantum Valley is anchored on four pillars — deploying quantum computers and developing research applications; building a robust software ecosystem; strengthening the talent base; and, most ambitiously, establishing hardware manufacturing, said IT Minister Nara Lokesh.

He was speaking at a session titled ‘Atmanirbhar Quantum – Building India’s Indigenous Quantum Stack in Andhra Pradesh’ during the 30th CII Partnership Summit held in Amaravati on Saturday.

During the summit, Mr. Lokesh also announced that the government will soon launch the Naipunyam portal to help the State’s youth upgrade their skills. The platform will use AI to assess current competencies and guide learners toward relevant online courses. He said Andhra Pradesh is adopting a three-pronged AI strategy — Reskill, Redefine and Reimagine — aimed at equipping young people with new capabilities, improving productivity, and unlocking new possibilities through emerging technologies. Rather than viewing Artificial Intelligence as a threat, he said, the government intends to embrace it and ensure that AI becomes a bridge to progress, not a barrier.

The session also marked the launch of the Quantum Valley and Quantum Policy — a first-of-its-kind framework establishing India’s largest open quantum testbed. The initiative outlines a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure development, indigenous hardware creation, research and talent support, and full ecosystem growth aimed at positioning Amaravati as a global quantum hub.

P.S. Pradyumna, Secretary to the Chief Minister, said, “When we examined the components of a quantum computer, we realised that much of it can be built in India — in Amaravati — from dilution refrigerators and amplifiers to cables and control systems. Startups are already working on these.” He added that such technologies now need the right ecosystem, a reference facility, a steady talent pipeline, and committed investors.

Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, noted that the strength of such thematic hubs lies in their multidisciplinary approach, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and industry needs by fostering technology development, nurturing skilled professionals, encouraging startups, and enabling international partnerships.

Those present included Bhaskar Katamneni, Secretary for IT, Electronics and Communications; Robert Mauro, CEO, PASQAL; Devroop Dhar, Co-founder and CEO, Primus Partners Pvt. Ltd.; K.N. Satyanarayana, Director, IIT Tirupati; and Amith Singhee, Director and CTO, IBM.