The government of Maharashtra and tech giant Google inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to develop AI-led solutions for the state’s important industries. Google will use its AI skills as part of the partnership to offer solutions in industries like startups, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability.
Additionally, the business stated that the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Nagpur, will host a cutting-edge AI Center of Excellence. The Maharashtra government’s deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, spoke at the event and declared, “Maharashtra is committed to AI-driven development, and our partnership with Google marks a significant milestone in this journey.” Through the AI Center of Excellence at IIIT Nagpur, our partnership will revolutionize vital industries like healthcare and agriculture, provide our residents with skills they need for the future, and foster a vibrant environment for Maharashtra’s AI entrepreneurs.”
“We see AI as the key to unlocking a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for the State and are excited to partner with Google on this journey,” he stated. According to a press release from the company, Google intends to support startups with mentorship, networking, and demo days with Google experts and industry leaders covering topics including technology, product development, business strategy, and more in order to foster an atmosphere of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the State. Regarding skilling, the company pledges to use Google Cloud to train 500 government IT workers in conversational AI. As part of the partnership, the multinational tech behemoth will also look at IT solutions for problems in healthcare and agriculture.
In order to improve access to care through AI-enabled screening, the firm, in collaboration with its partners and the State of Maharashtra, will offer health-related AI imaging models, such as TB-Chest X-Ray and Diabetic Retinopathy. In a similar vein, it will supply the State with its Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) API, which, according to the announcement, uses remote sensing AI/ML technology to provide comprehensive insights about farmland, including field sizes, water resources, and other topographical elements at the individual farm level. “We’re delighted to partner with the Maharashtra Government in this AI-first collaboration and leverage our bold and responsible approach to AI to help drive progress across critical areas such as skilling, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability,” said Sanjay Gupta, Google India’s Country Head.
