Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched a renewed global investment drive at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, presenting the State as a future-ready hub for artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, creative industries and advanced manufacturing.

The Chief Minister received a warm welcome at Zurich Airport, where members of the Telugu diaspora gathered to greet him. He interacted with the attendees and acknowledged their continued connection with Andhra Pradesh. Several global leaders, including Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, also exchanged greetings with him.

Soon after arrival, Chandrababu Naidu met Indian Ambassador to Switzerland Mridul Kumar, seeking cooperation to facilitate Swiss investments in Andhra Pradesh. Ministers Nara Lokesh and TG Bharat were present during the discussions.

The Chief Minister highlighted investment opportunities in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment manufacturing, electronics, rail components, heavy engineering and research-based industries. He informed that Andhra Pradesh has introduced 25 new industrial policies, prioritising investor-friendly governance, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. “Our focus is on future technologies and creating a globally skilled workforce to meet industrial demand,” Chandrababu Naidu said.

Ambassador Mridul Kumar praised the Chief Minister’s leadership, noting that Andhra Pradesh attracted nearly Rs. 2 lakh crore in investments following his participation in last year’s Davos summit. He also referred to European nations such as Liechtenstein leveraging artificial intelligence for rapid growth, adding that their delegations are attending WEF this year.

HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh briefed the Ambassador on Andhra Pradesh’s large-scale skill development programmes, stating that the State is now equipped with industry-ready manpower. He also highlighted the rapid expansion of the drone sector, with platforms now capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kilograms. Lokesh sought diplomatic support in connecting Swiss companies with Andhra Pradesh’s innovation ecosystem.

During the Davos visit, Chandrababu Naidu met Kishore Lulla, Founder and Chairman of Eros Innovations, and invited the company to invest in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister said the State aims to emerge as an AI-driven Creative Tech Hub, promoting investments in digital media, gaming, animation, virtual production and film technology.

Eros Innovations outlined initiatives such as Eros Gen AI, virtual production studios and a ‘Discover Andhra Pradesh 360’ virtual tourism platform. Impressed by the vision, Kishore Lulla described Chandrababu Naidu as “Davos Man,” praising his global outlook.

In a major announcement, the State government confirmed the establishment of a Global Quantum Bio Foundry in Amaravati, under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative. The facility will integrate quantum computing with life sciences to enable breakthroughs in drug discovery, enzyme engineering, advanced therapies and medical devices. Leading institutions including IBM, TCS, CSIR, IIT Delhi and Centella AI are partners in the project. The initiative is expected to attract significant foreign investment, high-value employment and deep-tech startups.