The Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) and Physics Wallah (PW), an EdTech startup, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build the University of Innovation (UoI), which will be the first Institute of Eminence (IoE) in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aligns with Chief Minister Shri N Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of educating youth in AI, emerging technologies, new-age skills, and entrepreneurship to transform Andhra Pradesh into 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 centres across Andhra Pradesh acting as spokes. This approach attempts to provide students from diverse backgrounds and regions access to contemporary, hybrid education that combines online and in-person learning experiences. PW collaborates with industry partners like Amazon Web Services India Pvt Ltd to keep the curriculum aligned with the market and provide industry-relevant education.
Speaking on the collaboration, Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resources Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said:
This partnership aims to advance innovation and equip our youth with skills that align with industry demands and standards. The University of Innovation’s vision to get the status of Institute of Eminence for integrating advanced technology and education to create pathways for growth and development is commendable. We are confident this initiative will strengthen our state’s talent development and knowledge creation leadership position.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh is led by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Departments focus on education, health, infrastructure, and public welfare. The Department of School Education aims to change Andhra Pradesh’s education system through academic, co-curricular, and digital activities to become a knowledge hub. The Department of Health, Medical, and Family Welfare provides public health services, prevents and controls communicable diseases, and implements national and state health initiatives.
Alakh Pandey, Founder & CEO of Physics Wallah (PW), shared his thoughts on the partnership:
At PhysicsWallah, we believe education is essential. Our partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish the University of Innovation is a step towards that belief. We are committed to investing 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 to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
The University of Innovation highlights a shared viewpoint between GoAP and PW. It plans to use technology, such as AI and adaptive learning platforms, to provide personalized learning experiences for all students. This alliance aims to equip young people with industry-relevant skills.
Prateek Maheshwari, Co-founder of Physics Wallah (PW), mentioned at the signing of the MoU:
Sri Chandrababu Naidu’s unwavering commitment and unparalleled speed in driving progress make Andhra Pradesh the ideal partner for visionary projects like the University of Innovation. His proactive approach and decisive leadership have helped PW take the first step to establishing a role model higher education institution born out of collaborative efforts between the government, academia and industry.
Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, PW was founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari and aims to democratize education across India through online, offline and hybrid platforms. Initially launched as a YouTube channel in 2014, the platform now offers free quality education to students through its YouTube channels in multiple vernacular languages. Its offerings span various educational segments, including Gurukulam Schools, test preparation in numerous categories, a skilling vertical, higher education, and study abroad. The company also has an Institute of Innovation (IOI) that provides residential job-ready programmes. PW has raised funding from investors, including Hornbill Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Westbridge and GSV Ventures.
