HYDERABAD: The state government of Telangana on Friday formalized a partnership with Australia-based Deakin University to create a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, a significant move aimed at enhancing the region’s burgeoning AI sector. This initiative will establish the country’s first dedicated skill development centre specifically focused on advanced AI technologies.
During a signing ceremony at the Secretariat, IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu was joined by Australia’s Minister for International Education Julian Hill. The new Centre of Excellence will be located within the forthcoming AI University at the state’s Future City. This collaboration will see the Deakin Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute co-managing the centre with the Telangana government.
Minister Sridhar emphasized that the partnership is designed to cultivate talent that meets global standards, extending beyond traditional academic qualifications. “This cooperation with the Australian government reflects our commitment to building a world-class workforce,” he stated.
The minister outlined how the agreement aligns with ongoing state efforts to attract leading global universities to Telangana. The centre will facilitate research and advanced training across multiple sectors, including governance, healthcare, education, information technology, life sciences, agriculture, critical minerals, and rare earths. “Telangana is positioning itself as a gateway to the future of Digital India,” he added.
Moreover, Sridhar highlighted current initiatives aimed at reinforcing skill development across major educational institutions statewide. His recent visit to Australia involved discussions about inviting Deakin University to establish a campus in Telangana. “Our innovation-friendly ecosystem makes Telangana an attractive destination. This Centre of Excellence will further amplify that advantage. Australia has also agreed to offer high-end training for working professionals,” he noted.
In attendance at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing were Government IT Advisor Saikrishna, alongside senior Australian officials including Cam Green, Karen Sandercock, Nathaniel Webb, Steven Biddle, Hilary McGeachy, Steven Connelly, and Vikram Singh, as well as Srikanth Lanka, Chief Strategist of the Telangana IT Department.
The establishment of this Centre of Excellence marks a pivotal development in Telangana’s aim to enhance its position in the global AI landscape. With a focus on skill development and research, the partnership with Deakin University could serve as a model for future collaborations between Indian states and international educational institutions, further integrating advanced technologies into academic and professional training frameworks.
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