Google announced the launch of its new AI research lab in Bengaluru, called Google Research India, on September 19. According to Google, the team at Google Research India will focus on two pillars. The first pillar will be advancing fundamental computer science and AI research by building a strong team and partnering with the research community across the country. The second pillar will be applying this research to tackle big problems in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and education while also using it to make apps and services used by billions of people more helpful. 

Manish Gupta will lead the new AI lab. Manish Gupta is a renowned computer scientist and ACM Fellow with a background in deep learning across video analysis and education, compilers and computer systems. Google Research India will also have Harvard University's Professor Milind Tambe as Director of AI for Social Good. Professor Tambe's role will focus on building a research program around applying AI to tackle big problems in areas like healthcare, agriculture, or education. 

The lab in Bangalore will be part of and support Google's global network of researchers: participating in conferences, publishing research in scientific papers, and collaborating closely with one another. According to a blog post from Google, the company is also exploring the potential for partnering with India's scientific research community and academic institutions to help train top talent and support collaborative programs, tools, and resources.