Univs must become architects of indigenous AI solutions, says guv Jishnu Dev Varma

Hyderabad: The intersection of AI and Quantum technology is not just a scientific milestone but a pedagogical necessity, said governor Jishnu Dev Varma after inaugurating the Central Zone Vice Chancellors' Meet 2025–26 at Osmania University on Thursday.Stating that higher education must keep pace with rapid technological change, he said that: "Our universities must transition from being consumers of technology to becoming the architects of indigenous AI solutions that reflect Indian ethics and values."
The governor further said AI and quantum technologies would significantly influence governance, research and learning systems in the coming decades.Emphasising ethical responsibility, he noted that innovation should be guided by constitutional values and inclusivity.The two-day meet, organised in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), brought together over 100 vice chancellors from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The theme of the conference is "Creating AI- and Quantum-Enabled Higher Educational Institutions."Professor Kumar Molugaram, vice-chancellor of the university, called upon academic leaders to move beyond conventional models of instruction and build institutional capacity in emerging technologies. "The university's Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CoE–AIML) will be a hub for AI applications in smart cities, healthcare systems, transportation and infrastructure planning. The Centre will support collaborative research and serve as a resource platform for govt and public sector initiatives," he added.Professor V Balakishta Reddy, chairman of the Telangana Council of Higher Education, said the state is continuously focusing on strengthening digital infrastructure across universities. The conference will deliberate on curriculum reforms, governance models, indigenous research and responsible technology use. A special issue of University News was also released during the session.