The agreement is expected to accelerate innovation and adoption to drive AI solutions in healthcare, digital infrastructure, and sustainability.
Published Dec 06, 2024 | 1:57 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 06, 2024 | 1:57 PM
Andhra Pradesh government signed MoU with Google. (X)
Google announced a strategic collaboration with the government of Andhra Pradesh to accelerate the deployment and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (Al) tools across the state.
The agreement is expected to accelerate innovation and adoption to drive AI solutions in healthcare, digital infrastructure, and sustainability. It is also aimed at empowering local startups by imparting AI skills training for students, developers, and professionals to build a future-ready workforce
This collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the state secretariat in Velagapudi on Friday, 5 December.
The MoU, signed between Google Cloud India Vice President and Country MD Bikram Singh Bedi and Andhra Pradesh Real Time Governance Society Secretary S Suresh Kumar, was handed over in the presence of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh.
Under this MoU, Google will collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh government to integrate AI and ML (Machine Learning) solutions in critical areas such as healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The collaboration will also focus on promoting skill development and bridging the digital divide by providing citizens with the necessary training and resources to thrive in an Al-driven economy.
Additionally, Google will collaborate to support the state’s startup ecosystem, to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of AI.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, said, “We are pleased to partner with Google to integrate AI solutions and accelerate Andhra Pradesh’s growth. This collaboration aligns with our vision of using technology for the betterment of our citizens. We aim to empower every individual and business by harnessing the power of AI, building a thriving environment for innovation and growth across the state.”
Lokesh said: “We are excited to join forces with Google on this journey to build an AI-powered future for Andhra Pradesh. We’ve always believed that technology should serve the people, and now with AI, we see great potential where AI empowers every citizen and business to innovate and excel. Our collaboration with Google is a significant step towards realising this vision. Together, we aim to create an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem where AI drives progress in critical sectors.”
Bedi said: “This collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Government is another step in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital future for India. We’re excited to combine Google’s Al expertise with the state’s vision to cultivate an Al-ready workforce, support local startups, and address areas like healthcare and sustainability We look forward to partnering with the Andhra Pradesh government to unlock the transformative potential of Al to drive progress, improve lives, and promote development and inclusion across the state.”
As part of the MoU, Google will offer 10,000 certificates for the Google AI Essential Course to equip students, developers, and the workforce with critical AI skills.
It is a foundational course that teaches people how to use AI in their work and everyday lives to increase productivity and efficiency. Google Cloud will also collaborate with the government to provide skilling programs for government agencies, including Google Cloud Certifications and Skill Badges in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and generative AI.
Additionally, Google will offer resources and support to educators to meet the growing demand for computer science education. Skilling initiatives will also include access to Google’s developer community programs and Android and App skilling development training.
An official release listed the areas where Google would collaborate with the state government.
Startup ecosystem enablement: Google will work with the Andhra Pradesh startup ecosystem to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, providing mentorship and networking opportunities and access to Google for Startups Accelerator programs. In addition, eligible AI startups will receive cloud credits, technical training, and business support.
Sustainability: Applying AI to help address challenges related to air quality, urban planning, and disaster management.
Healthcare: Catalysing the adoption of AI in healthcare to improve access to quality care and enhance patient outcomes. This includes providing access to Health AI imaging models through partners, exploring applications of generative AI in healthcare through large language models (LLMs), and supporting research initiatives through Health AI Developer Foundations (HAI-DEF).
AI pilots: Google will collaborate on pilot projects in key sectors on the benefits of cloud technology and AI in areas such as agriculture, traffic management, website modernization and citizen grievance redressal, among others.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
