HYDERABAD: Telangana is emerging as a leading hub for AI-driven innovation, offering significant opportunities for US investors, said IT & Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu on Thursday.
Addressing a round-table conference with representatives of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) in New Delhi, the minister highlighted state’s fast-growing AI ecosystem. The meeting was organised as part of India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Sridhar Babu said that Telangana’s world-class infrastructure and advanced technology ecosystem have created new avenues for global collaboration. The state government, he noted, is actively promoting public-private partnerships with leading American technology companies to accelerate innovation and investment.
The minister emphasised that forward-looking and stable policy frameworks have provided a strong foundation for AI research and development in Telangana. The government has also expanded the use of AI in governance, enabling real-time monitoring of public services to improve efficiency and transparency.
“Our goal is to shape Telangana into one of the world’s most important centres for AI innovation,” he stated, adding that the government is determined to compete with the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
Announcing future plans, the IT minister said the upcoming state Budget will prioritise the establishment of an AI university and dedicated AI hubs, alongside measures to build a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of the emerging digital economy.
AI not a barrier but aerodynamics of 21st century
Earlier addressing representatives from global advisory firms such as Digital Governance Advisory and Albright Stonebridge Group, Sridhar Babu said that safety in AI must be viewed not as a barrier to innovation but as the “aerodynamics of the 21st century”, emphasising that strong safeguards are vital for sustainable technological growth.
The minister cautioned that rapid expansion without regulation may appear impressive in quarterly reports but could erode long-term public trust. Quoting investor Warren Buffett, he observed that reputations take decades to build and minutes to destroy, adding that AI is at a similar inflexion point.
Drawing a parallel with aviation, the minister said that early safety measures such as seat belts and radar systems ultimately strengthened the industry rather than slowing it down, and noted that a similar approach must guide AI development.
Indonesia proposes Hyderabad-Jakarta tech skills corridor
Hyderabad: Indonesia has proposed setting up a Hyderabad–Jakarta Technology Skills Development Corridor to facilitate the exchange of technological talent. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and a high-level Indonesian delegation led by Communications and Digital Affairs Vice Minister Nezar Patria on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.