Google joins forces with Andhra Pradesh govt for AI push

Hyderabad: Tech giant Google on Thursday announced a strategic collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to accelerate the deployment and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the state.

This collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will drive the development and implementation of AI solutions, focusing on key sectors like healthcare and sustainability, while also prioritising digital infrastructure enhancements, AI skills development, and support for the local startup ecosystem.

The MoU exchange took place in Amaravati, in the presence of IT minister Nara Lokesh, between Google Cloud India, Vice President and Country MD, Bikram Singh Bedi, and Real Time Governance Society, Andhra Pradesh, Secretary S Suresh Kumar.

Under this MoU, Google will collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh government to integrate AI and ML 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 AI-driven economy. Additionally, Google will collaborate to support the state's startup ecosystem, to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of AI.

“We are excited to join forces with Google on this journey to build an AI-powered future for Andhra Pradesh. We have 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 realizing this vision. Together, we aim to create an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem where AI drives progress in critical sectors. This partnership will also be instrumental in building an AI-ready workforce, a vibrant startup ecosystem in AI, and ensuring lasting benefits of AI for all," said Nara Lokesh.

This collaboration will equip students, developers, and the workforce with critical AI skills and Google will offer 10,000 certificates for the Google AI Essentials course, 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 programmes 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.

Google will also 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.

“This collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Government is another step in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital future for India. We are excited to combine Google's AI expertise with the state's vision to cultivate an AI-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 AI to drive progress, improve lives, and promote development and inclusion across the State,” said Bikram Singh Bedi.