Google to harness global opportunities in Artificial Intelligence in AP
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government has signed a crucial agreement with Google to harness international opportunities in the rapidly changing landscape of Artificial Intelligence.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the Secretariat by Lalitha Ramani, general manager of Google Maps India, and Suresh Kumar, secretary of the AP Real-Time Governance Department, in the presence of IT minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday.
Lokesh said the state government was keen on enhancing the ease of living. The goal is to make various certificates and services easily accessible to citizens through mobile phones. This minimises the people’s need to visit government offices.
Lokesh expressed happiness over Google partnering with the state government to provide AI-based future opportunities for youth, underlining chief minister Chandrababu Naidu’s objective of utilizing advanced technology to offer better services to the people.
Lokesh said, “The main objectives of the agreement include the development of an AI-focused ecosystem, simplifying operations in complex sectors through AI services, and promoting local start-ups to leverage AI's benefits.”
Google would help create the workforce necessary for AI empowerment. The agreement would place AP at the forefront of the AI sector while providing international-level skill training for youth, leading to vast new opportunities, he stated.
The minister said, “Google will provide skill training courses under Google Essentials for 10,000 students and developers focusing on AI skills. These courses will cover how to utilize AI in daily life, enhance productivity, and include Cloud certifications in fields like cybersecurity and data analytics.”
“For Startup Ecosystem Enablement, Google will encourage innovation and entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to startup accelerator programmes while partnering with AP’s start-up ecosystem for eligible AI start-ups to receive cloud credits and tech training.”
Lokesh said, “Google will offer AI-based support and services to address challenges related to air quality, urban planning, and disaster management. Healthcare Improvements: Google will collaborate to enhance healthcare services and improve health outcomes through AI service applications and access to health AI imaging models.”
For AI Pilot Projects, Google will assist in pilot projects in key areas like agriculture, traffic management, website modernization and resolution of citizens' complaints using cloud technology and AI benefits, he said.
Lalitha Ramani said the agreement aligns with the vision of chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, aiming to deliver faster and improved services to citizens through the integration of AI into the administrative system.
“Our initiatives with the AP government will serve as a framework for future AI-based services and will be committed to enhancing positive benefits for society through AI,” she said and highlighted the importance of solving pressing global challenges and the need for collaboration with diverse communities to drive progress.
As per the agreement, Google will conduct skill development training programmes at schools and colleges in AP, tailored to adapt to upcoming changes in the AI sector.
In addition, training programs will be organized for start-ups, traditional industries and small businesses to access AI-based services. Google will collaborate with the state government to integrate AI and machine learning solutions in critical areas like healthcare and environmental sustainability.
