Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has approved proposals to establish a major research centre in Tirupati. The facility will be named AP Futuristic Innovation and Research in Science and Technology (AP FIRST) and is envisaged as the largest research centre of its kind in the State.
The decision was taken on January 16, during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office with advisors from the aerospace and defence sector and the IT–digital transformation domain. Senior officials from the State’s Drone Corporation were also present.
Addressing the meeting, the CM Naidu said the government is drafting plans to ensure all-round development of the State, with companies from multiple sectors coming forward to invest. He noted that aerospace, defence, space technology, artificial intelligence and cyber security, semiconductor devices and sensors, quantum technology, healthcare, biotechnology, green energy, and rural area technologies are expected to play a crucial role in the future. Policies are being framed to encourage investments in these sectors.
ఏపీ ఫ్యూచరిస్టిక్ ఇన్నోవేషన్ అండ్ రీసెర్చ్ ఇన్ సైన్స్ అండ్ టెక్నాలజీ-AP FIRST పేరుతో తిరుపతిలో రీసెర్చ్ కేంద్రం ఏర్పాటుకు గౌరవ ముఖ్యమంత్రి శ్రీ నారా చంద్రబాబు నాయుడు గ్రీన్ సిగ్నల్ ఇచ్చారు. క్యాంప్ కార్యాలయంలో నేడు ఏరో స్పేస్-డిఫెన్స్, ఐటీ-డిజిటల్ ట్రాన్సఫర్మేషన్ సలహదారులతో సీఎం… pic.twitter.com/dzy98tjZ7G
— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) January 16, 2026
He said that, for the first time in the country, a green ammonia plant is being set up in Kakinada as part of the green energy initiative. On similar lines, the State should emerge as a hub for innovation and start-ups. Providing skilled youth to incoming industries and companies, he said, is a key responsibility of the government.
The AP FIRST institution proposed in Tirupati should function comprehensively to address future needs and support the youth of the State. It will be established through a collaboration of two premier national institutions located in Tirupati—IIT and IISER—and is expected to be developed as a highly prestigious centre. For its effective management, consultations with the Central Government will also be held.
The Chief Minister said AP FIRST should coordinate with universities and leading companies across sectors to harness innovative ideas already being developed by students in government and private universities. Continuous engagement with industries is necessary to enhance skills among youth.
He also emphasised the need to identify rapidly emerging technologies and integrate them into academic curricula in consultation with educational institutions, with AP FIRST playing a facilitative role.
At the same time, he said the Drone Corporation should be further strengthened, with expanded use of drones in agriculture and medical emergencies. He directed the formation of an expert advisory group and said that, by the next International Drone Day, the State’s initiatives in delivering services through drones should be showcased to the public.
Officials were asked to conduct detailed studies on concepts such as drone taxis and drone ambulances, coordinate with the Centre, and examine the feasibility of establishing a Drone Traffic Control Management System on the lines of air traffic control.
Aerospace and Defence Advisor Satish Reddy, IT–Digital Transformation Advisor Amit Duggar, IIT Tirupati Director Prof. K.N. Satyanarayana, Prof. Senthil Kumar, DMTI Director Colonel P.S. Reddy, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
