International Gen AI Conclave: Kerala makes a big stride as bellwether state in AI adoption - P. Rajeeve (Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, Govt of Kerala)
Trivandrum / July 9, 2024
The international Generative AI Conclave, being hosted by Kerala Government in Kochi on July 11 and 12 in association with IBM, marks a major stride in the state’s journey towards a knowledge economy. Building a strong AI ecosystem backed by upfront policy initiatives and incentives is a key component of this historic transformation.
The Kochi conclave is happening when the entire world is riding on an AI wave. An India first initiative, this meet will see a convergence of leaders of global companies, policy-makers, investors, startup promoters and educators, engaging in absorbing conversations.
Apart from big players who have opted Kerala as an ideal destination for their operations, a range of other enterprises, especially technology-based startups and MSMEs stand to benefit from this paradigm shift.
The adoption and integration of AI systems aligns well with the government’s goal of prompt and efficient delivery of services, as a salient feature of inclusive and transparent governance.
For the stakeholders present, the meet will also provide a forum for learning, networking, forging business relationships, and striking partnerships.
Fast shaping up as a top AI destination in India, Kerala offers a robust ecosystem for investment. It is defined by a world class IT infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and policies to expedite AI adoption, integration, and enablement.
The Government has marked AI as a focus sector in its 2023 Industrial Policy and prioritised it in the budget. The industrial policy aims to strengthen the industry 4.0 ecosystem, focusing on sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics and many more.
The state has already unveiled a slew of supports and incentives to promote this transformative domain, including investment subsidy on fixed capital, State Goods and Service Tax (SGST) reimbursement, apprenticeship incentives for MSMEs and much more.
Tapping into the ecosystem, global majors including Athachi, dSPACE, IBM, Kongsberg, Safran, Vensure and many others have already started investing in the state.
Kerala has a flourishing startup ecosystem. According to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER), the state created an ecosystem valued at $1.7 billion in 18 months till end-2023, which stands five times more than the global average during the period.
The state already has 200 plus AI-based startups. The upcoming meet will be a great opportunity to showcase their prowess, keep abreast of the global trends and find mentors and investors.
Kerala has taken a lead in AI education and research, by integrating it into the education system. There are already 20 educational institutions and colleges presently in Kerala that offer courses in AI and Robotics and Machine Learning. The Government has also started a massive state-wide program to train 80,000 secondary school teachers to use AI tools in classrooms across Kerala.
Over the last few years, the state’s MSME sector has made major advances, taking advantage of various government schemes. The adoption of AI technology will significantly help MSME ventures to scaleup, diversify products, increase productivity and expand market.
Kerala stands as the first state to tap on AI for revamping its storied plantation sector, which can be deployed to advise planters to choose weather-resilient crops and tackle pestilence better.
According to the 2024 GSER, AI is estimated to add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and India holds enormous potential for being world’s third largest talent pool for AI.
Every transformative technology comes with a risk factor. The real challenge is to use them responsibly. Apart from adopting AI systems for improving competence and efficiency of businesses and delivery of services, they can also be leveraged to address larger concerns like climate change, public health challenges and poverty alleviation.
The Global Gen AI Conclave will enable Kerala to transform itself into the country’s AI hub.
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