In a significant move to position India at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, has announced the establishment of three AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs), focused on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities. Speaking at the inauguration in New Delhi, Shri Pradhan emphasized that these AI-CoEs would become global solution providers, contributing to public good while creating a new generation of job and wealth creators.

The government has sanctioned Rs. 990 crore for developing these CoEs over the next five years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28. The initiative is part of the broader vision outlined in the 2023-24 Budget under the "Make AI in India and Make AI Work for India" framework. The CoEs are designed to lead interdisciplinary research, develop cutting-edge AI applications, and deliver scalable solutions to address critical healthcare, agriculture, and urban sustainability challenges. This initiative aligns with the national vision of "Viksit Bharat," aiming to boost India's technological capabilities and solidify its role as a global AI leader.

The inauguration ceremony involved key leaders from academia, industry, and government. Notable attendees included Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education; Dr. Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation and Apex Committee Co-Chair; and representatives from IITs, AIIMS, and various startups. Shri Pradhan lauded the collaborative efforts behind the AI-CoEs and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his vision of making India a global AI hub.

Global Impact

Shri Pradhan highlighted that the AI-CoEs are not limited to institutional success but will serve the entire country, fostering new paradigms of global public good. He stressed that with India’s immense talent and zeal, these CoEs will be pivotal in shaping global public policy and offering AI-driven solutions for world challenges. He also underlined their role in accelerating India’s startup ecosystem, promoting entrepreneurship, and generating employment opportunities across various sectors.

Dr. Sridhar Vembu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that these AI projects will holistically benefit villages, cities, and the people of India. He reiterated the importance of nurturing the country’s vast talent pool to drive future innovation. The CoEs, he noted, will act as catalysts for creating new companies, fostering AI talent, and generating numerous opportunities in the next 10 to 20 years.

Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration

Secretary Shri K. Sanjay Murthy emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure optimal results from these CoEs. He also praised the competitive challenge-based methods in academic institutions, which have already shown progress in resolving common societal challenges through AI. The CoEs will act as innovation hubs, bringing together academic researchers, industry experts, and startup leaders to co-create solutions.

A film titled "Make AI in India and Make AI Work for India" was also showcased during the event, reinforcing the government's commitment to leveraging AI for national development.

Apex Committee and Leadership

Under the direction of Dr Sridhar Vembu, an Apex Committee has been formed to guarantee the effective implementation of these CoEs. The committee, composed of industry leaders, government officials, and academic experts, will guide the implementation and ensure that the AI-CoEs deliver impactful and sustainable results.

AI-Led Solutions

These AI-CoEs mark a bold step forward for India’s AI landscape, strengthening the country’s credentials in global AI leadership. They will be critical in developing practical AI applications that address pressing healthcare, agriculture, and urban living challenges. With government and industry backing, the Centres will nurture talent, drive innovation, and contribute to the nation’s growth. As Shri Pradhan aptly remarked, these CoEs will emerge as "temples of global public good," positioning India as a global AI powerhouse in the future.

Source: PIB