Andhra University plans Centres of Excellence in quantum technology, AI and semiconductors

Andhra University plans to establish Centres of Excellence in quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and semiconductors, Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar announced on Tuesday. The Vice-Chancellor made the announcement during the inauguration of the three-day international conference on Quantum-Enhanced Sustainable Technologies for AI Systems (QUEST-AI), organized by the cluster departments of Andhra University College of Engineering (A) in Visakhapatnam.

Raja Sekhar emphasized that following the centenary celebrations of the university, the focus would be on quality developmental activities. He anticipated that discussions during the conference would inspire the university to establish the three laboratories within the next two to three years. Raja Sekhar stressed that research in quantum technology and AI should not remain theoretical but must translate into practical solutions for society.

K.N. Satyanarayana, Director of IIT Tirupati, delivered the inaugural address. He highlighted that the Union government had launched the National Quantum Mission with a budget of ₹6,000 crore. Satyanarayana explained that quantum computing would not replace classical computing but would likely operate in a hybrid model, combining both technologies.

He also spoke about Andhra Pradesh's potential to develop a quantum-AI ecosystem, involving government agencies, academic institutions, industry, startups, and partners like IBM and TCS.

Satyanarayana connected the conference's theme to Visakhapatnam's growth, noting that data centers were being built in the city. He stressed that data centers consume significant amounts of energy and water, making sustainability a crucial aspect of the discussion. Marwan Dhamrin, a professor from Osaka University in Japan, called for increased research collaboration between India and Japan.

Nabil Mohammed, a lecturer from Federation University in Australia, emphasized the need for clean energy and data centers to grow side by side, focusing on generating more electricity from sustainable resources to power future data centers. Gregory J. Skulmoski, an associate professor from Bond University in Australia, noted that India was well positioned to address the global shortage of skilled professionals in quantum technologies.

K. Venkata Subbaiah, Principal of AUCE (A), welcomed the guests, and V. Valli Kumari, Dean of Research and Development and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, welcomed about 300 participants. Around 60 papers were selected for presentation across the technical departments, and the conference, funded by RUSA 2.0, will be held annually as the first of its scale involving the cluster departments, according to Valli Kumari.