Andhra Pradesh to Establish AI University: Nara Lokesh at Davos
Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, emphasized the need for reskilling to address the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on global economies and labor markets. Speaking at a roundtable discussion on "The Transformative Impact of AI on Global Economies & Labour Markets" held at the Alpen Gold Hotel in Davos, Lokesh highlighted the increasing demand for roles such as data scientists, AI trainers, and ethical AI specialists.
The session was moderated by Jennifer Blanke, former Chief Economist of the World Economic Forum, and Selim Edde, Google’s Director of Government Affairs. During the discussion, Lokesh provided insights into the rapid automation across industries.
"Approximately 25-30% of tasks in sectors like manufacturing, customer service, and data processing will be automated. This will significantly impact employees working in these domains. In the face of AI transformation, reskilling is essential, and both governments and corporations need to collaborate to achieve this," Lokesh stated.
He also mentioned that India’s National AI Portal serves as a repository for AI resources, helping individuals and organizations explore opportunities in the field. Digital literacy initiatives under the Digital India Mission lay the groundwork for future AI training. Programs like FutureSkills Prime, a joint effort by NASSCOM, the Ministry of Electronics and IT, and other stakeholders, are advancing expertise in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
Lokesh further highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s strides in AI education, including partnerships with leading organizations like Google. The state has established its first AI Skills Lab in Cheepurupalli, Vizianagaram district, where 500 students from grades seven to ten are receiving training. Under the "AI for All" initiative, teachers have also undergone AI training. Lokesh announced plans to establish an AI University to train future AI professionals, researchers, and practitioners.
The session was moderated by Jennifer Blanke, former Chief Economist of the World Economic Forum, and Selim Edde, Google’s Director of Government Affairs. During the discussion, Lokesh provided insights into the rapid automation across industries.
"Approximately 25-30% of tasks in sectors like manufacturing, customer service, and data processing will be automated. This will significantly impact employees working in these domains. In the face of AI transformation, reskilling is essential, and both governments and corporations need to collaborate to achieve this," Lokesh stated.
He also mentioned that India’s National AI Portal serves as a repository for AI resources, helping individuals and organizations explore opportunities in the field. Digital literacy initiatives under the Digital India Mission lay the groundwork for future AI training. Programs like FutureSkills Prime, a joint effort by NASSCOM, the Ministry of Electronics and IT, and other stakeholders, are advancing expertise in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
Lokesh further highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s strides in AI education, including partnerships with leading organizations like Google. The state has established its first AI Skills Lab in Cheepurupalli, Vizianagaram district, where 500 students from grades seven to ten are receiving training. Under the "AI for All" initiative, teachers have also undergone AI training. Lokesh announced plans to establish an AI University to train future AI professionals, researchers, and practitioners.