Gujarat Government Partners with IBM, Microsoft, and NASSCOM to Drive AI Innovation and Education

Unlocking the Potential of AI: Gujarat Government Partners with IBM, Microsoft, and NASSCOM to Drive Innovation and Education

In a move to propel Gujarat into the forefront of technological innovation, the state government has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with software giants IBM and Microsoft, as well as the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. This significant development was announced in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, highlighting the government’s commitment to harnessing the power of AI for the state’s progress.

IBM and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, have teamed up to establish an AI Cluster at the Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City. This cluster will foster innovation and collaboration among financial institutions, allowing them to leverage IBM’s advanced AI platform and cloud infrastructure to develop actionable AI software. The aim is to provide AI-driven digital solutions across sectors such as banking, financial services, and insurance.

Sandeep Patel, the Managing Director of IBM India-South Asia, emphasized the importance of AI as a driving force for India’s development. He stated, “AI is a pivotal need of the hour and would be a driving force for India’s development.” Through this partnership, IBM will also work on developing AI curriculum for state schools and universities, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the skills needed to excel in the age of AI.

Additionally, Microsoft and the Department of Science and Technology signed an MoU to establish an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence in GIFT City. This center will focus on key technologies such as machine learning, cognitive services, and bot services. By bringing together industry and academia, Gujarat aims to create a hub of AI expertise that will drive innovation and shape the future of AI applications.

The state government has also partnered with NASSCOM to enhance AI capabilities in Gujarat. NASSCOM, being the premier trade body for the IT and IT-enabled services industry in India, will play a crucial role in leveraging its expertise to foster the growth of AI initiatives in the state.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed the ambition to position Gujarat as one of the top industrial states by embracing futuristic technologies like AI. He stated, “Our aim is to keep Gujarat among the top industrial states by promoting futuristic technology such as AI.” Gujarat has already positioned itself as a global gateway to the future, and this collaboration with industry leaders will further cement its status as a hub for innovation.

In addition to these partnerships, the government of Gujarat has launched the Up Skilling Industry Ready Talent Program under the IT and ITES policy. This program aims to cater to the growing demand for skilled talent in emerging industries that leverage advanced technologies. As part of this initiative, the government has invited universities and course providers from across the state to participate in training the youth in deep technology. Notable entities such as IBM, Nvidia, AWS, TCS, and L&T Edutech have committed to providing courses under this program. State universities, including GTU, IITRAM, P.D.E.U, and Ganpat University, have also joined as aggregators.

The collective efforts of these partnerships and initiatives are aimed at training 25,000 students in deep technology courses over the course of three years. By investing in the development of AI capabilities, Gujarat is poised to become a leader in the AI landscape, driving economic growth and ushering in a new era of innovation.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized, embracing futuristic technologies is essential in positioning India as the world’s third-largest economy. The collaboration between the Gujarat government, IBM, Microsoft, and NASSCOM demonstrates the commitment to realizing this vision. With the support of these industry giants, Gujarat is well on its way to unlocking the full potential of AI and shaping the future of technological innovation.