Kerala Unveils AI-Focused Policy to Transform State into Global Gen AI Hub

Kerala's new initiative promises to ignite innovation across sectors, positioning the state as a beacon of cutting-edge technology in India.

Introduction

In a bold step towards technological advancement, Kerala has unveiled an ambitious AI-focused policy aimed at propelling the state into a global hub for Generation AI.

Embracing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, Kerala’s new initiative promises to ignite innovation across sectors, positioning the state as a beacon of cutting-edge technology in India.

Kerala has recently introduced a comprehensive AI policy aimed at transforming the state into a global hub for generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). The policy includes several initiatives:

  • AI Cluster: Establishing an AI Cluster-based Industrial Park on a Public-Private Partnership basis.
  • Financial Assistance: Providing financial support to AI startups, including share capital investments and scale-up support.
  • Infrastructure Development: Creating common infrastructure such as Graphics Processing Centres and Global Capability Centres.
  • Adoption in Various Sectors: Promoting AI adoption in sectors like marine genome sequencing, tourism, healthcare, and IT.

These steps are part of Kerala’s strategic push to enhance its AI ecosystem, attract investment, and create job opportunities.

This policy not only underscores Kerala’s commitment to fostering a robust AI ecosystem but also signals its readiness to attract global investments and talent, paving the way for groundbreaking developments in healthcare, education, and beyond.

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AI Declaration and Road Map

Minister Rajeev’s AI Declaration outlined a comprehensive road map for Kerala’s transformation into an AI powerhouse. The state has already identified AI as a priority sector in its current industrial policy.

The Minister announced that a dedicated AI policy would be introduced within the fiscal year, aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. This policy will enhance existing infrastructure and foster a futuristic AI ecosystem through various supports and incentives.

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Kerala’s AI-Focused Policy: Transforming into a Global Gen AI Hub

1. AI Cluster-Based Industrial Park

  • Public-Private Partnership: The state plans to establish an AI Cluster-based Industrial Park through collaborations between the government and private sector.
  • Innovation Ecosystem: This park will serve as a hub for AI innovation, fostering collaboration among startups, research institutions, and established companies.

2. Financial Assistance for AI Startups

  • Share Capital Investments: The government will provide financial support to AI startups by investing in their share capital.
  • Scale-Up Support: Additional funding and resources will be available to help startups scale their operations and reach new markets.

3. Infrastructure Development

  • Graphics Processing Centres: Establishing centres equipped with advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) to support AI research and development.
  • Global Capability Centres: Creating facilities that offer global capabilities in AI, attracting international companies to set up operations in Kerala.

4. AI Adoption in Key Sectors

  • Marine Genome Sequencing: Utilizing AI to advance research in marine biology and genome sequencing.
  • Tourism: Implementing AI solutions to enhance the tourism experience, from personalized recommendations to efficient management of tourist sites.
  • Healthcare: Leveraging AI for better diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care.
  • IT Sector: Promoting AI integration in the IT industry to drive innovation and efficiency.

Strategic Goals

  • Enhancing the AI Ecosystem: Building a robust AI ecosystem that supports innovation, research, and development.
  • Attracting Investment: Creating an attractive environment for both domestic and international investors.
  • Job Creation: Generating new job opportunities in the AI sector, contributing to the state’s economic growth.

These initiatives reflect Kerala’s commitment to becoming a leader in the AI industry, positioning itself as a global hub for generative AI.

What aspect of this policy interests you the most?

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Financial Support for AI Startups

The state government recognizes the vital role of startups in driving AI innovation. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) will offer preferential share capital investments of up to Rs 5 crore to AI entities with a minimum investment of Rs 10 crore.

Moreover, scale-up support of Rs 1 crore will be provided, along with other incentives detailed in the Industrial Policy.

The fast-growing MSME sector in Kerala will also benefit from AI tools and financial incentives, strengthening AI entities across the state.

Fostering Collaborative Efforts

To foster collaboration in the AI sector, Kerala plans to form technology groups.
These groups will include representatives from AI entities, research institutions, associations, and government agencies.

Their aim is to facilitate partnerships and promote AI adoption across key sectors.

Focus areas will include marine genome sequencing, tourism, healthcare, and IT/ITeS industries. The initiative aims to leverage AI for innovative solutions and economic growth in Kerala.

The policy also emphasizes the adoption of AI to enhance governance, integrating AI tools into various government schemes and initiatives.

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Enhancing Governance with AI

Kerala commitment to integrating AI into policy includes plans to use AI tools for processing application forms, resolving investor queries, supporting decision-making, and facilitating licensing by government agencies.

Companies participating in the Mission 1000 scheme will actively adopt AI technologies. AI tools will analyze the scheme’s database to streamline processes and enhance efficiency across government operations.

Global Investors Meet

Encouraged by the positive response to the Gen AI Conclave, Kerala announced plans to host a two-day Global Investors Meet in Kochi on January 14 and 15, 2025.

This event aims to attract investments from AI companies worldwide, further bolstering the state’s AI ecosystem. Minister Rajeeve outlined ambitious plans to attract significant investments and foster an environment conducive to AI innovation.

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Conclusion

Kerala proactive approach to promoting AI includes strategic policy, financial incentives, and collaborative efforts. The state aims to establish an AI Cluster and support startups to foster a robust AI ecosystem. Integration of AI in governance is another key step toward technological advancement. The upcoming Global Investors Meet in 2025 is expected to attract global attention and investment. Kerala’s commitment to innovation and collaboration is set to drive significant growth in the AI sector.

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL).

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