Google and Tamil Nadu Government collaborate to build an AI-enabled ecosystem in the State

Chennai, 2024:

Google today exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to drive technological advancement and foster innovation in the State. The collaboration will focus on initiatives in key areas such as AI start-up enablement, skilling, and industrial ecosystem enablement including MSMEs to create impactful, scalable AI solutions.

The MoU exchange took place in Google’s Mountain View office, in the presence of Mr. MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Dr TRB Rajaa, Industries Minister of Tamil Nadu; between Amit Zavery, GM/VP and Head of Platform of Google Cloud; Mr. Nanda Ramachandran, Vice President, Pixel Business Unit, Google ; and Guidance Tamil Nadu. The Secretary, Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department, Tamil Nadu and MD & CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, were also present during the MoU exchange.

Under the MoU, Google will work with Guidance, the Government of Tamil Nadu’s nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation, to support the development of a robust AI ecosystem. This includes providing access to advanced technologies and resources, with an emphasis on empowering individuals, businesses, and government entities to leverage AI for inclusive growth and progress.

Dr TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu said, “We are happy to collaborate with Google on advanced manufacturing, including the recently announced Made in India Pixel 8 phone being manufactured in Tamil Nadu. The MoU signed today will explore key Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives under the Tamil Nadu AI Labs. Our partnership with Google is a significant step forward towards establishing Tamil Nadu as a thriving AI and advanced electronics manufacturing hub. We are not just adopting technology; we are harnessing its power to propel our state into the future. Through Hon’ble Chief Minister’s visionary ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ program, which is India’s largest up-skilling initiative, we aim to equip the youth of Tamil Nadu with future-ready AI skills and spark innovation across key sectors such as startups, mobility, healthcare and other real-world challenges. The State is committed to equipping 2 million youth with cutting-edge AI skills to prepare them for the future. We look forward to exploring initiatives with Google under this program.”

Amit Zavery, GM/VP, and Head of Platform of Google Cloud, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with the Tamil Nadu Government on their journey towards an AI-powered future. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and technological progress through AI. We look forward to working together to build a thriving AI ecosystem in Tamil Nadu — one that not only drives innovation and creates opportunities but also empowers individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.”

Google and the Government of Tamil Nadu are exploring collaborations under the following key pillars:

· Manufacturing of Pixel 8 phones: The Made in India Pixel 8 devices manufacturing is underway, happening in Tamil Nadu through local partnerships.

· Skill development and education: Google will collaborate with the Government to upskill Tamil Nadu’s workforce with AI capabilities, and explore AI learning initiatives under the flagship ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ upskilling platform. Programs will also seek to enhance digital education to build a future-ready workforce.

· Startups and innovation: Google will work alongside Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem to offer mentorship and networking with Google experts and industry leaders, with AI-focused events designed to solve local challenges and foster innovation and problem solving within the community. Google for Startup program will provide eligible VC-funded AI startups with Cloud credits, technical training, and business support to accelerate their growth.

· Enabling MSMEs and Rural Economy: To empower Tamil Nadu’s MSMEs, Google and Google Cloud’s partners will collaborate with the Government to help leverage Google Cloud’s AI on open networks market place. These efforts will enable streamlined access, automate processes, enhance decision-making, and promote innovation through technology adoption.

Google is committed to developing AI in a way that maximizes the positive benefits to society while addressing the challenges, guided by our AI Principles. We prioritize fundamental research to create solutions for the world’s most pressing issues and believe that collaboration across diverse communities is the key to accelerating progress with tangible impact, while ensuring the ethical development and deployment of these transformative technologies.