VIT-AP lays focus on AI, quantum and deep-tech research

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Preparing students for an AI-driven economy is a major priority, says VIT-AP University Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Vellore Institute of Technology-AP, established in Amaravati in 2017 with around 600 students, has grown into an institution with around 21,500 students, 1,100 research scholars and 625 faculty members. About 14,500 students reside on its 100-acre campus. 

“We see our growth as part of the Andhra Pradesh government’s vision to develop Amaravati into a knowledge hub with institutions of national importance,” says Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman. 

Speaking to The Hindu, he says VIT-AP would actively contribute to the State’s plan to develop five lakh youth. “We have set a target of reaching 50,000 students over the next decade,” he says.

Mr. Arulmozhivarman says preparing students for an AI-driven economy is a major priority. “While students need strong foundations in their respective disciplines, they must be adaptable, creative and agile in responding to technological change. VIT-AP is offering AI-related learning across disciplines, including engineering, business, digital marketing, law and humanities,” he informs.

Quantum technology is another major focus. VIT has formed a quantum faculty cluster covering quantum devices, materials, sensing, algorithms, post-quantum cryptography and applications, with more than 40 faculty members working in these areas. “We have developed our own quantum operating system and quantum simulator. We are establishing a National Quantum Laboratory to provide exposure to students from school to university level,” he says.

Faculty working on quantum technologies across VIT’s four campuses are being brought together as a common research cluster. The university is working with the National Quantum Mission and Amaravati Quantum Valley.

Speaking about a student-centric “Design Your Own Degree” model, he says it allows students from the second year to pursue a minor or a second major in another discipline. “A student, for instance, can add robotics-related specialisation to another major, with additional courses offered during the summer to enable completion within four years,” he says.

Beyond academics, more than 100 clubs and chapters provide students with opportunities for leadership development and interaction with industry experts, helping them develop professional and interpersonal capabilities.

Stating that industry engagement has contributed to placements, Mr. Arulmozhivarman says that more than 1,100 companies visited VIT last year, with around 90 % of students placed. “The highest package was ₹96.26 lakh and the average package ₹7.05 lakh,” he says.

In VIT-AP. research is being expanded through direct and Deep Tech PhD programmes.

Referring to the V-Launch initiative, he says it takes innovations from the laboratory to the market. “Student ventures have emerged in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, defence, electric vehicles and drones, with some attracting more than ₹70 crore at the initial stage.”

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