Naidu said that Andhra had already taken the lead in green energy by initiating what he described as the country’s first green ammonia plant.
Published Jan 17, 2026 | 12:04 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 17, 2026 | 12:04 PM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu approved AP FIRST, a futuristic research hub in Tirupati to boost skill development, advanced research, and industry-ready youth. Leveraging IIT and IISER, it will focus on aerospace, AI, defence, biotech, and green energy. The State also plans to expand drone applications, aiming to position Andhra as a hub for innovation and next-gen technologies.
In a move aimed at making Andhra Pradesh’s education and innovation ecosystem commensurate with future industry demands, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has given in-principle approval for setting up a large, futuristic research institution — AP Futuristic Innovation and Research in Science and Technology (AP FIRST)—in Tirupati.
The objective is ensuring youth get access to skill development, advanced research, and thus positioning the State as a hub for next-generation technologies.
Naidu approved the proposal during a high-level meeting at his Camp Office with advisors from the aerospace–defence and IT–digital transformation sectors on Friday, 16 January. Senior officials from the State’s Drone Corporation were also present.
“Our priority is to shape future generations commensurate with industry needs,” Naidu said, asserting that the State was fully prepared to extend all necessary support to initiatives that enhance youth skills and future employability. He stressed the importance of identifying sectors that would offer sustained opportunities in the coming decades and tailoring policies accordingly.
Placing AP FIRST within a long-term development framework, the CM said Andhra was witnessing growing investor interest across multiple sectors and that policy planning was being done, taking advantage of this momentum.
“In the future, aerospace, defence, space technology, AI, cyber security, semiconductor devices and sensors, quantum technology, healthcare, biotechnology, green energy, and rural technologies will play a crucial role,” he said.
He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh had already taken the lead in green energy by initiating what he described as the country’s first green ammonia plant in Kakinada. “In a similar manner, the State must emerge as a hub for new innovations and start-up companies,” Naidu said, linking industrial expansion directly to the availability of skilled human capital.
“It is the responsibility of the State government to provide skilled youth to the companies and industries that come forward,” he added, making a clear case for an institutional mechanism like AP FIRST.
According to Naidu, AP FIRST will be established by leveraging the presence of two premier national institutions in Tirupati—IIT Tirupati and IISER Tirupati—giving the centre strong academic and research foundations. “This must be developed as a highly prestigious institution,” Naidu said, adding that consultations should be held with the Centre to ensure effective management and national-level integration.
The proposed institution is expected to act as a bridge between universities, research bodies, and industry. Naidu noted that students in both government and private universities were already working on innovative ideas, and said these efforts must be “properly harnessed” through structured collaboration.
“Constant engagement with industries and companies is essential to enhance skills among youth,” the CM said, underlining the need for AP FIRST to coordinate with leading firms across sectors. He also stressed that emerging technologies witnessing rapid development should be quickly incorporated into academic curricula. AP FIRST, he said, should play a central role in enabling educational institutions to design and update such curricula in real time.
The meeting also reviewed the role of the Drone Corporation, which Naidu said needed further strengthening. He called for expanding the use of drones in agriculture and medical emergencies and directed officials to constitute an expert advisory group.
By the next International Drone Day, the State government’s initiatives in delivering public services through drones should be showcased comprehensively, he said. Naidu also asked officials to conduct detailed studies on advanced concepts such as drone taxis and drone ambulances.
“Coordinate with the Centre and examine the feasibility of establishing a Drone Traffic Control Management System, similar to air traffic control management,” he directed.
Aerospace and Defence Advisor Satish Reddy, IT–Digital Transformation Advisor Amit Duggar, IIT Tirupati Director Professor KN Satyanarayana, Professor Senthil Kumar, DMTI Director Colonel PS Reddy, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
