VIT-AP focuses on AI, quantum and deep technology research

Preparing students for an AI-driven economy is a top priority, says VIT-AP Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Established in Amaravati in 2017 with around 600 students, Vellore Institute of Technology-AP has grown into an institution with around 21,500 students, 1,100 research staff and 625 faculty members. About 14,500 students live on its 100-acre campus.

“We see our growth as part of the Andhra Pradesh government’s vision to develop Amaravati into a knowledge hub with institutions of national importance,” says Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman.

In an interview with The Hindu, he says that VIT-AP would actively contribute to the state plan to develop five thousand youth. “We set a goal of reaching 50,000 students in the next decade,” he says.

Mr Arulmozhivarman says preparing students for an AI-driven economy is a top priority. “While students need a solid foundation in their respective fields, they need to be adaptable, creative and agile in responding to technological changes. VIT-AP offers AI-related courses across disciplines, including engineering, business, digital marketing, law and humanities,” he informs.

Another major focus is quantum technology. VIT has established a quantum faculty cluster covering quantum devices, materials, sensing, algorithms, post-quantum cryptography and applications, with more than 40 faculty members working in these areas. “We have developed our own quantum operating system and quantum simulator. We are establishing a National Quantum Laboratory to be exposed to students from school to university level,” he says.

Faculty working on quantum technologies across four VIT campuses are coming together as a joint research cluster. The university collaborates with National Quantum Mission and Amaravati Quantum Valley.

Design your own title

Speaking about the student-centered “Design Your Own Degree” model, he says it allows students from their sophomore year to minor or second major in another field. “For example, a student can add a robotics-related major to another major with additional courses offered during the summer allowing for completion in four years,” he says.

In addition to academics, more than 100 clubs and chapters provide students with opportunities for leadership development and interaction with industry professionals, helping them develop professional and interpersonal skills.

Stating that industry engagement has contributed to the placements, Mr. Arulmozhivarman says that over 1,100 companies visited VIT last year, with around 90% of students getting placements. “The highest package was ₹96.26 and the average was ₹7.05,” he says.

In VIT-AP. research is being extended through direct and Deep Tech PhD programs.

Referring to the V-Launch initiative, he says it brings innovation from the lab to the market. “Student ventures have emerged in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, defence, electric vehicles and drones, with some attracting more than ₹70 crore in the seed stage.”

Published – 18 Sep 2026 10:24 IST