IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh announced that the State would launch a dedicated skill portal ‘Naipunyam’ within the next two weeks. He said that Andhra Pradesh is prioritising skill development as a key pillar of its economic growth strategy, preparing students not for yesterday’s jobs but for emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production, data centres, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

Addressing the valedictory session of the Digii100x Andhra Pradesh Summit held here on Friday, Mr. Lokesh said that rather than land, natural resources or capital, talent has become the most important competitive advantage for any State or nation.

Speaking before academicians, university representatives, industrialists and technology experts from across the country, the Minister said Andhra Pradesh has consistently produced some of the country’s finest talent, with professionals from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana leading teams, building companies and driving innovation across the world.

“Our greatest export is not a product, but our people. If we want to build a prosperous future, our first responsibility is to invest in them. The future belongs to states that can create a large pool of skilled human resources,” he said.

The Minister further expressed confidence that artificial intelligence would generate new employment opportunities rather than eliminate jobs.

“Every industrial revolution has created more jobs than it displaced. I believe AI will follow the same pattern,” he said, adding that A.P. aims to become a national hub for AI-driven education, governance, research and innovation.

Emphasising the growing importance of digital infrastructure, Lokesh said data centres and cable landing stations would play a crucial role in the future economy.

“In the coming years, a nation’s wealth will be measured not by oil reserves but by its computing power,” he remarked.

Employment generation

To create employment opportunities for youth across the State, Mr. Lokesh said the government is developing 22 industrial clusters focused on sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, electronics manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, glass production, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing and data centres. He invited industry leaders and educational institutions to partner with the government in fostering innovation, research and entrepreneurship.

Highlighting the transformative role of universities in shaping future generations, MP M. Sribharat said that students must not only excel academically but also emerge as responsible citizens guided by strong values and ethical principles. He observed that sustainable societal progress can be achieved only when knowledge is complemented by honesty and compassion.

Founder of Digii100X and CEO of Digii, Hemanth Sahal, QS India chair and vice-president (Strategic and International Engagement), QS Quacquarelli Symonds, Vice-Chancellors from over 40 universities, including 28 from A.P., were among those present.