Lokesh Proposes Establishment of Microsoft Experience Zone or Technology Station in Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada, July 30, 2025 — Andhra Pradesh’s Education and IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, has proposed the creation of a Microsoft Experience Zone or Technology Station in the state to foster innovation and development in the field of Generative AI. The proposal was made during his ongoing visit to Singapore, where he and his team engaged with Microsoft officials and explored advanced AI applications.
During the fourth day of the Andhra Pradesh delegation’s visit to Singapore, Minister Lokesh underlined the importance of discovering and coordinating Generative AI-based solutions to boost the state’s technological landscape. As part of the initiative, he suggested organizing a hackathon in 2026 at the Amaravati Quantum Valley Tech Park, under the guidance of the Microsoft Experience Centre. The event will focus on harnessing Azure OpenAI Services and Microsoft Copilot to create innovative technology solutions. Lokesh assured full support from the Andhra Pradesh government, including providing all necessary facilities to make the event successful.
The delegation had the opportunity to visit the Microsoft Experience Centre located on Cecil Street in Singapore. They witnessed various AI-driven applications across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer services, showcased through the AI Go Store. Representatives from Microsoft emphasized the centre’s unique role in blending retail and educational support tailored for businesses, consumers, and stakeholders. The centre offers a comprehensive range of services including executive briefings, industry-specific solution envisioning, innovation workshops, and hands-on labs. It is a critical hub supporting digital transformation initiatives, having been utilized by global clients such as IBM and Dell for technology integration.
In addition to visiting the Experience Centre, the Andhra Pradesh team engaged in discussions with senior Microsoft executives including Markus Loh, Head of Microsoft Government Affairs; Jasmine Begum, Head of Sela; and Mark Souz, Chief Technology Officer of Sela. These discussions focused on exploring further collaboration opportunities to bolster technological advances within the state.
Highlighting the state’s technical prowess, Lokesh noted that Andhra Pradesh is home to one of the largest pools of skilled IT professionals in India. He further cited that over 25 percent of the Indian IT workforce in the United States originates from the Telugu-speaking community, underscoring the potential for tapping into this resource. By aligning with Microsoft’s expertise, the minister recommended cultivating a highly skilled IT workforce specializing in Generative AI, Hybrid Cloud technologies, and Microsoft products. This partnership aims to advance Andhra Pradesh’s positioning as a leader in emerging technologies.
The proposal for a Microsoft Experience Zone or Technology Station is aligned with Andhra Pradesh’s vision to leverage cutting-edge technological advancements to accelerate socio-economic growth and innovation in the region.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
