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Microsoft and the Ministry of Science and Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an artificial intelligence center of excellence at GIFT City. (File photo)
The Gujarat government on Saturday signed MoUs with software giants IBM and Microsoft and the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) to promote the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the state.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a government statement said.
IBM and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish and promote an AI cluster to foster innovation and collaboration among financial institutions in Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, it said.
Microsoft and the Department of Science and Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an artificial intelligence center of excellence at GIFT City.
The AI Center will focus on key technologies such as machine learning, cognitive services and bot services.
The department also signed another MoU with NASSCOM to enhance AI capabilities in the state.
“Our aim is to keep Gujarat among the leading industrial states by promoting futuristic technologies like AI,” he said.
Gujarat has emerged as a global gateway to the future. In response to the growing demand for skilled manpower in emerging industries leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the state government has launched the Up Skilling Industry Ready Talent scheme under the IT and ITES policy,” the CM added.
Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India-South Asia, said AI is a critical need of the hour and would be a driving force for India’s development.
With IBM’s advanced AI platform and cloud infrastructure, GIFT City’s fintech companies can develop actionable AI software, strengthening their ability to deliver AI-powered digital solutions in the banking, financial services and insurance sectors. In addition, IBM will collaborate on developing AI curricula for public schools and universities, the statement said.
The programme has invited expressions of interest from universities and course providers across the state to participate in training youth in cutting-edge technologies. IBM, NVidia, AWS, TCS and L&T Edutech have committed to offer courses under the initiative, the statement added.
Besides, four state universities, GTU, IITRAM, PDEU and Ganpat University, have joined the group as aggregators, he said.
Through these efforts, Gujarat aims to train 25,000 students in advanced technology courses over three years.
First published: June 29, 2024 | 7:32 p.m. IST
