
Andhra Pradesh Seeks Collaboration with Bill Gates and Unilever
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met with Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Their discussion centered on potential collaborations in healthcare, education, and innovation for the state.
Naidu proposed establishing a Center of Excellence for Health Innovation and Diagnostics in Andhra Pradesh. This center would leverage advanced technology to improve public health services and address local health challenges. He also invited Gates to join the advisory board of a proposed Artificial Intelligence University in the state, reflecting Andhra Pradesh's commitment to leading in AI research and development.
Naidu expressed interest in implementing Gates Foundation programs in Andhra Pradesh, including health dashboards and social welfare initiatives. He emphasized the need to adapt global innovations to local contexts for maximum impact. The Chief Minister assured Gates that Andhra Pradesh could serve as a launchpad for the foundation's initiatives in South India, expanding its reach across the region.
In a separate meeting, Naidu met with Willem Uijen, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Unilever, which operates in India as Hindustan Unilever. The company plans to invest ₹330 crore in a palm oil production facility in Andhra Pradesh, driven by the growing Indian market.
Naidu proposed Visakhapatnam as an ideal location for a technology center focused on Unilever's beauty product portfolio. He also highlighted Andhra Pradesh's agricultural potential to support Unilever's food, beauty, and home care manufacturing businesses. The Chief Minister encouraged Hindustan Unilever to expand its operations in the state, citing its business-friendly environment and growth potential in consumer goods.
Naidu also met with Roberto Bocca, Head of the World Economic Forum's Center for Energy and Materials, to explore investments in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. He sought the forum's assistance in attracting global investments in green hydrogen, battery storage, and solar manufacturing. Additionally, he requested support to establish a Clean Energy Knowledge and Skill Development Center in Andhra Pradesh to train the workforce for emerging energy technologies.
These discussions reflect Andhra Pradesh's vision to become a leader in health, technology, and sustainable development while attracting global investments to boost the state's economy.