News

Gujarat Government Partners with IBM and Microsoft to Boost AI Capabilities

• ByStartupStory     |    July 1, 2024

In a significant move to enhance the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in Gujarat, the state government has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with tech giants IBM and Microsoft, alongside the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). The agreements were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, according to an official government release.

The collaboration between IBM and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, aims to establish and promote an AI Cluster to foster innovation and collaboration among financial institutions at Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City. The AI Cluster is expected to drive the development of AI-driven digital solutions in the banking, financial services, and insurance sectors, leveraging IBM’s advanced AI platform and cloud infrastructure.

Microsoft and the Department of Science and Technology have signed an MoU to set up an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence in GIFT City. This center will focus on key AI technologies such as machine learning, cognitive services, and bot services, enhancing the state’s AI capabilities.

Additionally, the Department of Science and Technology has partnered with NASSCOM to further bolster AI capabilities within Gujarat. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging futuristic technologies to propel India towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our aim is to keep Gujarat among the top industrial states by promoting futuristic technology such as AI. Gujarat has emerged as a global gateway to the future. In response to the growing demand for a 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.”

Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India-South Asia, highlighted the critical role of AI in India’s development, saying, “AI is a pivotal need of the hour and would be a driving force for India’s development.” He added that IBM will collaborate on developing an AI curriculum for state schools and universities, further reinforcing the state’s educational framework in deep technology.

The initiative has also garnered support from prominent industry players such as IBM, NVidia, AWS, TCS, and L&T Edutech, who have committed to providing courses under this program. Four state universities—Gujarat Technological University (GTU), Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management (IITRAM), Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), and Ganpat University—have joined as aggregators in this ambitious project.

The state aims to train 25,000 students in deep technology courses over the next three years, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the demands of emerging industries.

 

Follow Startup Story