For decades, India has looked to the West for advancements and innovations in technology and artificial intelligence. Today, things are turning around. To promote the AI ​​revolution and ensure that AI technologies meet the unique needs of the country, the central and state governments of India are introducing AI policies and initiatives.

Tech giants like Meta, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have already made headlines with their groundbreaking advancements in AI. It was only recently that India’s AI moment arrived when Reliance, at its 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM), presented Jio Brain, Jio AI-Cloud, Jio PhoneCall AI and a vision of a national AI infrastructure.

As we approach the end of 2024, let’s take a look at how state governments in India have adopted AI.

Kerala leads policy and partnerships

In July, Kerala declared its vision to become a global hub for generative AI. At an international conclave, state industries and law minister P Rajeev laid out the roadmap for an AI ecosystem rich in incentives, support and partnerships, all aligned to the goals environmental, social and governance (ESG).

The state plans to create an AI hub and create an industrial park, with the aim of establishing a public-private partnership model capable of harnessing both local and global expertise.

Tamil Nadu talks about AI for social good

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government announced its ambitious five-year plan, the Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Mission (TNAIM). The initiative, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, aims to position the state as one of the leading AI hubs in India. TNAIM is dedicated to developing AI solutions that improve governance and drive social and economic growth.

The mission, modeled by the Tamil Nadu e-governance agency alongside local technology organizations, will initially receive an investment of INR 13.93 crore. The underlying principle of TNAIM – “social good by design” – highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to creating AI solutions that make a real difference.

Karnataka supports AI in education and Gulf countries

Karnataka is banking heavily on the application of AI in education. Shiksha Co-pilot, an AI-powered generative digital assistant for teacher training launched by the state’s School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, is transforming the way teachers prepare and deliver lessons.

Recently, the state launched India’s first draft Global Capacity Center (GCC) policy, aiming to attract 500 new centers and create over 3.5 million jobs by 2029. The policy highlights Karnataka’s commitment to becoming a national leader in AI-enabled global business solutions.

In February, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state was set to set up an AI/ML administrative unit. Up to 200 engineering graduates enrolled in AI/ML related professional education courses at institutes like IISc, IIT and NIT will get a stipend of INR 15,000.

Andhra Pradesh targets AI City

In Andhra PradeshChief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to develop Amaravati as an AI-centric city.

In partnership with the tech giant, the state government launched ‘AI for Andhra Pradesh, Powered by Google’. This initiative aims to integrate AI into agriculture, healthcare, skills development and sustainability.

A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected soon, paving the way for transformative AI applications that will touch all sectors of society.

Telangana Transformation with Meta

Telangana has partnered with Meta to leverage generative AI in e-governance. Over the next two years, this initiative will improve public service efficiency with Meta’s latest AI models, such as the Llama series.

The state government also signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) to develop an AI-driven World Trade Center in the proposed AI city in Hyderabad. This visionary project aims to welcome the world’s leading AI companies and foster a robust ecosystem for AI innovation.

Maharashtra develops AI for agriculture, education and healthcare

Maharashtra’s AI initiatives rely on collaborations with tech giants like Google. This year, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis signed a memorandum of understanding with Google to bring AI solutions to agriculture, healthcare and education.

The state has also partnered with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology to create a center of excellence in AI, IoT, robotics and Industry 4.0, which aims to train a workforce qualified work in AI.

Gujarat for sustainable development of AI

The Gujarat government recently took a big step forward in the field of AI when the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced three centers of excellence (CoE) focused on health, agriculture and sustainable cities. The central government has allocated nearly INR 990 crore to support these centers.

Gujarat, in partnership with IBM, has also launched an AI cluster within GIFT City, designed to drive digital transformation in the financial sector through IBM’s AI platform. Watsonx. This collaboration provides institutions with tools such as an AI Sandbox and promotes AI introductory programs.

What is India’s budget for AI?

In July, the newly formed central government presented the Union Budget for the year 2024-25.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has allocated INR 551.75 crore for the IndiaAI Mission, highlighting its commitment to advancing AI research and applications.

Earlier in March 2024, the Cabinet approved INR 10,354 crore for the AI ​​mission. Under this program, startups and universities will receive 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs).

According to the IndiaAI Mission, this financial boost for the next five years will boost key initiatives including IndiaAI Compute Capacity, IndiaAI Innovation Center (IAIC), IndiaAI Dataset Platform, IndiaAI Dataset IndiaAI app development, IndiaAI FutureSkills, IndiaAI Startup Financing and Safe & Trusted AI.

But is it enough? Given the rapid pace of global progress in AI, India will need to step up its efforts and increase its investments to remain competitive on the global stage.