Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia’s Deakin University. This aims to establish the country’s first Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, focused on advanced skill development and global competitiveness.
IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu announced the agreement during a media briefing at the Secretariat. He was alongside Australian Minister for International Education Julian Hill. The Centre will be housed within the upcoming AI University at Bharat Future City.
AI Centre of Excellence to be co-managed by Deakin Institute
The Deakin Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute will jointly run the Centre with the Telangana government. The collaboration aims to train highly skilled professionals. It will also support innovation-driven sectors such as governance, healthcare, education, IT, life sciences, agriculture, and critical minerals.
Sridhar Babu said the initiative aligns with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s push to bring global academic partnerships to Telangana. He added that Telangana is fast emerging as a gateway for Digital India.
He noted that during his recent Australia visit, the state government invited Deakin University to establish a campus in Telangana.
Advanced AI skills training for professionals planned
The Minister also said Australia will provide high-end AI training for working professionals from Telangana. He stated that similar skill development efforts will be rolled out across major educational institutions within the state.
Government IT Advisor I. Saikrishna and senior Australian representatives attended the MoU event, including Cam Green, Karen Sandercock, and Nathaniel Webb. IT Department Chief Strategist Srikanth Lanka was also present.
With MoU being signed at the Secretariat with Australia’s Minister for International Education Mr. Julian Hill, a major step was taken towards strengthening Telangana’s AI ambitions. The partnership with Deakin University to set up a Centre of Excellence within the upcoming AI… pic.twitter.com/3OQXN5ukXG
— Sridhar Babu Duddilla (@OffDSB) December 5, 2025