Kerala has made a strategic move to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the IT sector. The southern state has unveiled plans to elevate Kochi into a prominent global AI hub in collaboration with tech giant, IBM. The key highlight is the announcement of a Global AI Summit scheduled to take place in the middle of 2024. The event aims at exploring the possibilities of positioning Kochi as India’s IT epicenter.

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Government’s Push for AI Excellence

The Industry and IT departments of Kerala have collaborated to spearhead the initiative, showcasing a commitment to capitalizing on AI opportunities. Kerala Industry Minister P. Rajeev emphasized the state’s ambition to embrace Generative AI over Generic AI, citing IBM’s services currently utilized by major companies like Boeing.

Key Collaborations and Partnerships

The summit, under the coordination of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), has garnered support from various entities, including state IT parks, Kerala Startup Mission, Digital University, and Technical Universities. The government of Kerala and IBM India have signed an agreement to set up an AI hub in Kochi.

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IBM’s Strategic Move to Establish Kochi as AI Hub

The discussions between Industry Minister P. Rajeev, Industries Principal Secretary Suman Billa, and IBM India’s Senior Vice President (Products) Dinesh Nirmal have paved the way for IBM’s significant investment in making Kochi its AI hub. This move is expected to attract top-tier technology professionals from around the world. It is further aimed at fostering an environment of innovation and knowledge exchange.

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Prospects and Industry Impact

By positioning Kochi as IBM’s AI hub, the region anticipates a surge in technology talent, implying a reverse migration trend. The Industry Minister envisions a doubling of IBM staff in Kochi, with potential cascading effects on the local IT landscape.

The proposed hub will focus on generative AI, distinguishing itself from generic AI approaches. The upcoming AI Summit will be a collaborative effort involving the State’s Department of Industry, IT Parks, Kerala Startup Mission, Digital University, and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.

Our Say

As Kerala charts its course towards becoming a global AI hub, the partnership with IBM stands as a pivotal move. The proposed initiatives while aligning with the state’s vision for technological advancement, also have the potential to reshape Kochi’s identity in the IT sector.

The forthcoming Global AI Summit promises to be a crucial platform for stakeholders to converge and share insights. It is sure to propel Kochi into the forefront of AI innovation. The collaboration between the government and industry giants like IBM marks a significant stride toward technological excellence in Kerala.