The Consortium for Technical Education (CTE) and the Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS), functioning under the IT Electronics and Communications Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a centre of excellence in information technology and cyber security.

The centre of excellence is being established for universities, engineering colleges, polytechnics, schools and government departments throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh. The MoU was exchanged in presence of Gudivada Amarnath, minister of industries, infrastructure, investment and commerce and information technology, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

In collaboration with APIS, CTE will set up software evaluation and testing labs in relevant domains and will organise innovation challenges across institutions and start-ups providing prizes and exposure to global events to winners and creating opportunities to showcase their products at international forums.

CTE will distribute the centre of excellence software and cyber security products, virtual labs and video-based training courses on the latest technologies. It will also invite industry and academic experts and innovators to conduct seminars, conferences and workshops periodically at the Centre of Excellence. Further CTE will provide the latest compliance frameworks and policy management training programs.

“We are building a network of ‘Centre of Excellence’ in IT and cyber security in association with several states in India to facilitate innovations, start-up entrepreneurship and help bridge the gaps in knowledge between academia and industry. This partnership with the APIS takes us step further in achieving our mission of advocating product-oriented entrepreneurship, giving them access to a world-class center of excellence in IT and cybersecurity, to counter their security challenges and support their innovations and growth,” said K. A.  Alagarsamy, director of CTE.

“We have always aspired to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups among entrepreneurs, researchers and students. Our association with APIS will enable us to guide entrepreneurs through the technical programs designed to address the prevailing information and cybersecurity challenges that hamper their growth and development,” added Sairaman Srinivasan, Chief Strategy Officer, CTE.

Consortium for Technical Education (CTE) is a non-profit organisation established to provide innovative programs and services to bridge the knowledge gaps between academia and Industry. Through this partnership, the organisation aims to create a supportive ecosystem for the deep-tech start-ups associated with the APIS and other incubators in the state of Andhra Pradesh.