In a groundbreaking move, Google has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, marking a significant collaboration to usher in innovation and implement scalable Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions across key sectors. The partnership will see the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence, with the aim of utilizing Google’s AI leadership and technological expertise to contribute to the overall development of the state.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- AI Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Google commits to nurturing the AI ecosystem in Maharashtra by offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and demo days for startups. Select startups will gain access to Google experts, industry leaders, and potential investors, with eligible VC-funded AI startups receiving Cloud credits, technical training, and business support through Google’s AI Startup program.
- AI Skilling: The collaboration includes Google’s support for government-led skills training and education initiatives. Google will launch high-demand skills courses on YouTube, conduct a train-the-trainer program for educators, and equip 500 government IT professionals with AI skills.
- AI for Healthcare: The partnership aims to explore the adoption of human-centered AI in healthcare, utilizing medical AI tools for population-scale impact. Google and its partners will provide state-of-the-art Health AI imaging models to enhance access to care through AI-enabled screening.
- AI for Agriculture: Google will contribute its Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) API, providing in-depth insights about farmland using remote sensing AI/ML technology. This data will support the development of innovative, data-driven agricultural initiatives in the state.
- Sustainability: The collaboration will concentrate on sharing AI-powered tools for environmental resilience, including real-time air pollution monitoring, training city planners to leverage AI-powered building footprints, and optimizing traffic lights under Project Greenlight.
In addition to these initiatives, Google Cloud’s AI and machine learning technologies will be explored for pilot solutions in citizen engagement, government scheme access, and an AI-powered pilot for farmer assistance in Maharashtra. The establishment of a state-of-the-art AI Center of Excellence at IIIT Nagpur is part of the government’s commitment to advancing AI initiatives.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed excitement about the partnership, seeing AI as key to unlocking a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for the state. Sanjay Gupta, Country Head & VP, Google India, emphasized the goal to empower citizens, create opportunities, foster innovation, and bring the transformative power of AI to the people of Maharashtra. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to harnessing AI for the benefit of society and the state’s progress.
