Andhra Pradesh Partners with PhysicsWallah to Establish AI-Focused Institute of Eminence

Government of Andhra Pradesh and PW partner to establish deep-tech AI-focussed first Institute of Eminence (IoE)

The Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) and edtech company PhysicsWallah (PW) have signed an MoU to establish the University of Innovation (UoI), which is aimed to be the first Institute of Eminence (IoE) in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to provide the state's youth with education in Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, new age skills, and entrepreneurship, paving the way for Andhra Pradesh to become an education hub. The University of Innovation will work towards blending academic excellence, innovation, and research. Its focus is to address key challenges in education and employability. The initiative will follow a hub-and-spoke model, with the University serving as the central hub, and satellite centers across Andhra Pradesh acting as spokes. This approach is an attempt to provide students from diverse backgrounds and regions access to contemporary, hybrid education that combines online and in-person learning experiences. In an attempt to keep the curriculum aligned with the market, PW is collaborating with industry partners like Amazon Web Services India to provide industry-relevant education. Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resources Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said in a statement: "This partnership aims at advancing innovation and equipping our youth with skills that align with industry demands and standards. The University of Innovation's vision to get status of Institute of Eminence for integrating advanced technology and education to create pathways for growth and development is commendable. We are confident that this initiative will strengthen our state's position as a leader for talent development and knowledge creation." Alakh Pandey, Founder & CEO, PhysicsWallah (PW) said: "We are committed to invest up to ₹1000 crores by GSV Ventures - US and other investors, the purpose is to create an institution that combines academic learning with industry relevance. The UoI will help learners with the skills they might need in a constantly evolving job market, in an attempt to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. "At GSV, we are attempting to foster initiatives that could help bridge the gap between education and industry. To establish the University of Innovation is a step towards our belief in the power of deep-tech and AI to shape learning. This collaboration is an attempt towards creating a model for innovation in education on a wider scale," said Deborah Quazzo, Managing Partner at GSV Ventures.

Andhra Govt Partners Physics Wallah To Build AI-Focused Institute Of Eminence

The IPO-bound edtech startup is also collaborating with industry partners like Amazon Web Services (AWS) India to provide industry relevant education The Andhra government has joined hands with edtech startup Physics Wallah to set up the state's first deeptech and AI-focused Institute of Eminence (IoE). The move also aligns with the vision of the state's chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to foster its youth with education in AI, emerging technologies, new age skills and entrepreneurship. Physics Wallah's founder and chief executive Alakh Pandey said, "Our partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish the University of Innovation is a step towards that belief. We are committed to invest up to INR 1000 Cr by GSV Ventures - US and other investors, the purpose is to create an institution that combines academic learning with industry relevance." The IPO-bound edtech startup is also collaborating with industry partners like Amazon Web Services (AWS) India to provide industry relevant education. The institute is established with the idea of blending academic excellence, innovation, and research, where its focus is planted on addressing challenges in education and employability. The initiative will follow a hub-and-spoke model, with the university serving as the central hub, and satellite centers across the state, the statement further said. Founded in 2020 by Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari, Physics Wallah currently operates offline and hybrid centres in more than 105 cities in India. It also claims to offer free education to over 4.6 Cr students through its 112 YouTube channels in five vernacular languages. Recently turned into a public entity, the edtech startup has now set its eyes on listing on the stock exchanges next year alongside a queue of startups, including Bira91, CarDekho and Captain Fresh. Physics Wallah has reportedly shortlisted Axis Capital, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan as the bankers for the proposed IPO. Meanwhile, in September, the edtech unicorn became the latest entrant to the 2024 mega deal club after it raised $210 Mn in its Series B round led by Hornbill Capital at a post-money valuation of $2.8 Bn. The startup has raised $310 Mn till date and is backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, GSV and WestBridge.