Gujarat government signs MoUs with IBM, Microsoft to increase AI presence in State
- In Reports
- 10:23 PM, Jun 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Saturday, the Gujarat government signed agreements with tech giants IBM and Microsoft, as well as the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies within the state.
The Memorandums of Understanding were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, according to a government release. IBM and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, entered into an agreement to establish and promote an "AI Cluster" to foster innovation and collaboration among financial institutions at Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, the release stated.
Microsoft and the Department of Science and Technology also signed an agreement to establish an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in GIFT City. This AI Centre will focus on key technologies such as machine learning, cognitive services, and bot services.
The department also signed another memorandum of understanding with NASSCOM to enhance AI capabilities in the state. Chief Minister Patel noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritised futuristic technology to propel India towards becoming the world's third-largest economy.
"Our aim is to keep Gujarat among the top industrial states by promoting futuristic technology such as AI,” he said.
“Gujarat has emerged as a global gateway to the future. In response to the growing demand for skilled workforce in emerging industries leveraging advanced technologies, the state government has launched the Up Skilling Industry Ready Talent Program under the IT and ITES policy," the CM added.
Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India-South Asia, said AI is a “pivotal need of the hour” and would be a driving force for India's development.
Through IBM's advanced AI platform and cloud infrastructure, fintech firms in GIFT City can develop actionable AI software, enhancing their ability to provide AI-driven digital solutions across the banking, financial services, and insurance sectors. Additionally, IBM will collaborate on developing an AI curriculum for state schools and universities, according to the release.
This programme has invited expressions of interest from universities and course providers across the state to participate in training youth in deep technology. IBM, NVIDIA, AWS, TCS, and L&T Edutech have committed to providing courses under this initiative, the release added.
Additionally, four state universities – GTU, IITRAM, P.D.E.U., and Ganpat University – have joined as aggregators. Through these efforts, Gujarat aims to train 25,000 students in deep technology courses over three years.
Image source: Reuters
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