Kerala is set to take a giant leap in the field of AI as the state gears up to host a Global AI Summit in Kochi in 2024. The announcement comes as part of a strategic move by IBM, with discussions held between Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, Industries Principal Secretary Suman Billa, and IBM India representatives on Tuesday.
An in-principle agreement has been reached during the talks, positioning Kochi as the potential country hub for AI-assisted technology for IBM. This move is expected to bring about a transformation in Kochi’s technological landscape, with the city poised to become a global center for AI.
The Global AI Summit, scheduled to take place in the middle of this year, will serve as a pivotal platform to showcase and discuss advancements in AI. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve expressed optimism about Kochi becoming the AI hub for IBM, stating that this would lead to a reverse migration trend, attracting top technology professionals from around the world.
“As the AI hub for IBM, Kochi will witness an influx of top-notch technology professionals, positioning the city on the global map of AI innovation,” Minister Rajeeve remarked after discussions with IBM India Senior Vice-President (Products) Dinesh Nirmal.
The proposed AI hub in Kochi will focus on generative AI, going beyond generic AI applications. IBM, a key player in the international AI arena, already provides AI services to major companies like Boeing. Minister Rajeeve disclosed ongoing efforts to secure the participation of Boeing in the upcoming AI summit.
The collaboration for the summit involves the State’s Department of Industry, along with key entities such as IT Parks, Kerala Startup Mission, Digital University, and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. Further amplifying Kochi’s potential as an AI hub, the second stage of expansion at Infopark is underway, bolstering facilities for IBM’s AI initiatives.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also announced plans to establish India’s inaugural AI city in Lucknow, aimed at nurturing and advancing the AI ecosystem. The initiative, led by UP Electronics Corporation Ltd, the project’s nodal agency, has issued an expression of interest (EoI) soliciting proposals for the design, development, and operation of this AI city.
The post Kerala to Transform Kochi into an AI Hub, Global AI Summit in 2024 appeared first on Analytics India Magazine.