Quantum Courses to Boost Youths’ Skills: CM Naidu

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday announced that Andhra Pradesh would soon introduce specialised courses in quantum technology to equip youths with cutting-edge skills and prepare them for emerging opportunities in the knowledge economy.Chairing a meeting with representatives of IIT Madras at the state secretariat, the chief minister underscored the need to expose students to quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI) from an early stage.He said Andhra Pradesh was being fashioned as a knowledge hub and students must be groomed to seize the opportunities that would emerge from this transformation.During the meeting, IIT Madras representatives presented proposals aimed at creating awareness of AI among students through digital platforms in Telugu, English and Hindi. They outlined a detailed action plan for the next two years in four phases, beginning next year, to familiarise students with AI concepts and applications.The Chief Minister reviewed the proposals and offered a series of suggestions to strengthen the initiative.Emphasising inclusivity, Naidu said every student in Andhra Pradesh—whether studying in private institutions or government schools—should gain basic exposure to quantum technology. He called for targeted steps to introduce quantum concepts to students of Classes 7, 8 and 9, and directed officials to establish computer laboratories in schools in a phased manner to support this effort.He also asked the education department to coordinate with the central government to mobilise support for the infrastructure.The chief minister announced that a students’ partnership summit would be organised by the end of January 2026, providing a platform for students to showcase their innovations. Such forums, he said, would inspire entrepreneurial thinking and encourage young minds to evolve into future industrial leaders.Naidu stressed the importance of fully leveraging the central government’s National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) platform to upgrade quantum skills. He wanted the officials to ensure that more than 50,000 technology students received structured training in quantum technologies, and that a comprehensive curriculum for quantum skill development is designed and rolled out by the end of next month.The Chief Minister also suggested a focus on research and academic initiatives by various IITs in the quantum domain to adopt best practices.In a related review, he discussed the expansion of true 5G services with officials of BSNL, highlighting the role of advanced connectivity in supporting digital education and innovation ecosystems.The meeting was attended by officials from the education department, along with representatives from IIT Tirupati, IBM and other stakeholders, reflecting a broad-based effort to position Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of next-generation technologies.



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