IT Minister Lokesh seeks establishment of Microsoft Experience Zone in Andhra Pradesh
During the meeting, Mr. Lokesh proposed the establishment of a Microsoft Experience Zone, or Technology Station, in Andhra Pradesh to foster and incorporate Generative AI-based solutions.
Hackathon
Mr. Lokesh invited Microsoft to organise a hackathon in 2026 at Amaravati's Quantum Valley Tech Park, utilising Azure OpenAI services and Microsoft Copilot. He assured full support from the State Government for necessary infrastructure.
He also suggested harnessing the State's talent pool to develop a skilled workforce in Generative AI, Hybrid Cloud, and Microsoft technologies, in partnership with the Microsoft Experience Centre.
Microsoft representatives explained the visiting delegation that the experience centre was designed to support businesses, consumers, and observers in the areas such as retail and education. The centre offered executive briefings, innovation workshops, hands-on labs, and demonstrations of digital transformation solutions. It was widely used by major clients such as IBM, Dell, and public sector organisations. They also highlighted the IBM-Microsoft Experience Zone, which showcases AI-based business solutions.
The delegation observed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) was transforming sectors such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and consumer industries at the AI-powered GoStore.
Chip design facility
In his meeting with IVP Semi founder Raja Manickam, Mr. Lokesh discussed semiconductor investment opportunities in the State and invited the company to establish a chip design, or semiconductor equipment manufacturing facility. He proposed leveraging IVP's expertise to support local MSMEs and build a robust semiconductor ecosystem.
Responding to it, Mr. Raja Manickam assured that his executive team would seriously evaluate the proposals.
In his meeting held with DTDS Group CEO B.S. Chakravarthy, Mr. Lokesh urged collaboration with A.P.-based MSMEs in the semiconductor sector, and expressed confidence in the State's potential to become a vital player in India's growing semiconductor landscape, alongside Tamil Nadu.
GCC in Vizag
Mr. Lokesh also met Yano Tomokazu, Managing Director of ABeam Consulting, and invited it to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Visakhapatnam, highlighting its growing reputation as an emerging IT and digital services hub.
Mr. Tomokazu, while noting ABeam's expertise in digital transformation, AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, with over 1,200 consultants across Southeast Asia, said the company was focusing on SAP-based services in India, and assured that the proposal would be seriously evaluated.
Mr. Lokesh later met Infineon President and MD C.S. Chua, wherein he proposed the setting up of semiconductor packaging and testing units in Andhra Pradesh's Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) and industrial parks.
He also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with the State's growing EV ecosystem, particularly in the regions such as Tirupati Sri City, Anantapur, and Krishna district, encouraging joint efforts in producing power modules, inverters, and Battery Management Systems (BMS).
Software parks
During a meeting with CapitaLand Investments CEO Sanjiv Das Gupta, he invited the firm to develop IT and software parks in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, citing the trend of software companies moving to Tier-2 cities. Mr. Das Gupta responded positively and assured that the proposals would be evaluated internally.
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