Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday held discussions with Professor Kyall Zenger of the Center for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Australia.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for HRD and IT Nara Lokesh proposed a long-term academic alliance and urged the establishment of a “Griffith University India Centre” in Andhra Pradesh to coordinate joint research, student exchange and curriculum development in areas such as public policy, innovation and sustainability.
On the fourth day of his tour of Australia on Wednesday, Mr Lokesh met top officials of Griffith University, James Cook University and Populous Architects and outlined a broad vision to strengthen international academic collaboration, develop advanced aquaculture research and transform Andhra Pradesh into a global sports hub.
Skills certification
At the Griffith University Gold Coast campus, Mr Lokesh met Marnie Watson, Vice President (Global) and toured the university’s state-of-the-art sports facilities. He invited Griffith to partner with AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) for skill certification, syllabus design and global academic benchmarking.
Mr. Lokesh has also designed joint projects in renewable energy, climate resilience, public health and water management and supported dual degree programs with Andhra Pradesh institutions such as SRM–AP, Andhra University and VIT–AP.
Highlighting the innovation-driven governance under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister invited Griffith University to participate in Partnership Summit-2025 and Andhra Pradesh Global Education Forum scheduled on 14-15. November and to collaborate with the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) to support startups and research.
Aquaculture genetics
In Brisbane, Mr Lokesh held discussions with Professor Kyall Zenger of James Cook University’s Center for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture (CSTFA). He called for cooperation in aquaculture genetics, particularly to enhance disease resistance and growth in Black Tiger and Barramundi shrimp species, which were key to India’s aquaculture exports.
Mr. Lokesh urged the university to share genetic tools and develop artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to reduce losses and increase productivity of aquaculture farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
Sports center
Further meeting with Populous Architects, world renowned designers of iconic stadiums like London Olympic Stadium, SoFi Stadium (California) and Motera Stadium (Ahmedabad), Mr. Lokesh sought conceptual designs to make Andhra Pradesh a sports hub. It called for sustainable, energy-efficient architectural models for sports and entertainment venues, community sports complexes and integrated event spaces that support tourism and local economies.
Mr. Lokesh highlighted that Andhra Pradesh, driven by visionary leadership and reform-based governance, is emerging as India’s new gateway for education, investment, innovation and sports development.
Published – 22 Oct 2025 19:37 IST
