AP launches AI Living Labs to power rural & digital growth

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: The foundation will provide researchers and startups with specialized resources, including shared GPU computing, curated datasets, and "innovation sandboxes" to test new technologies

The Hub-and-Spoke Model: While headquartered in Amaravati, the initiative will use a decentralized network to bring AI training and certification to colleges, MSMEs, and government departments across the entire state

Inclusive Human-Centric Goal: A primary pillar of the project is the ambitious "one AI-trained individual per family" mission, focusing on practical skilling in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing

In a major step toward positioning Andhra Pradesh as a hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the state government has approved the establishment of the AI Living Labs Foundation. The initiative is aimed at creating a comprehensive ecosystem for AI-driven learning, research, innovation and skill development across the state.

The proposed foundation will function as a non-profit organization under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. An official government order issued on Saturday confirmed that the entity will be responsible for setting up, operating and managing AI Living Labs in multiple locations, with its headquarters to be based in the capital city of Amaravati. “The government hereby accords approval for the creation of a Section 8 company under the name AI Living Labs Foundation,” the order stated, outlining the broad objectives and framework of the initiative.

According to officials, the foundation will focus on strengthening the state’s digital capabilities by providing access to advanced AI infrastructure and resources. It will offer shared graphics processing unit (GPU) computing facilities, AI development tools, curated datasets and innovation sandboxes. These facilities are expected to support large-scale workforce skilling and technology adoption.

The initiative aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s long-term vision of inclusive digital growth and its ambitious goal of ensuring “one AI-trained individual per family.” The foundation is expected to play a pivotal role in helping students, professionals and entrepreneurs acquire practical AI skills that are relevant to modern industry requirements.

The AI Living Labs Foundation will adopt a hub-and-spoke model to extend its reach across educational institutions, startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and government departments. Under this model, centralized AI infrastructure and platforms will be made accessible to multiple stakeholders through regional centers. Key functions of the foundation will include coordinating AI training programs, designing certification pathways, enabling curriculum integration in colleges and universities, and providing faculty development programs.

Beyond skilling, the foundation will actively promote applied research in artificial intelligence. This includes the development of AI models, large language models (LLMs) and domain-specific solutions. Researchers and innovators will be encouraged to work on practical use cases that address real-world challenges.

The government has identified priority sectors where AI applications will be developed and deployed. These include agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, fintech, animation and gaming (AVGC), and digital public infrastructure. Officials believe AI-driven solutions in these areas can significantly improve efficiency, service delivery and economic productivity.

The project will be supported through a combination of government grants, corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions and funding from industry partners. By choosing Amaravati as the headquarters, the government aims to strengthen the capital region’s profile as a technology and innovation hub. Officials say the AI Living Labs Foundation will complement ongoing efforts to attract investments in emerging sectors and build a knowledge-based economy.