Govt, Google, Meta, IBM Pact for Innovation: MoS IT

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Google, Meta and IBM to foster innovation and investment in India, according to Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar . These agreements aim to enhance India’s standing and talent in the emerging technology domain, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), semiconductor, quantum technology and extended reality (XR).

The MoUs were signed between October 2022 and October 2023 with various entities engaged with MeitY. Some of the key collaborations are:

• IBM India and three MeitY entities – Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) – to advance and accelerate innovation in AI, semiconductor and quantum technology for India.
• Google India and Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) to advance AI technology and promote language inclusivity in India. Google also informed NITI Aayog regarding its machine learning applications to tackle significant societal challenges in India, such as flood forecasting and diabetic retinopathy .
• India AI and Meta to establish a framework in AI and emerging technologies . MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and Meta also collaborated to accelerate XR technology startups in India.

Chandrasekhar said that the government recognizes the potential of emerging technologies and is actively working with the private sector to foster innovation and promote their utilization . He also said that the MoUs will help create a conducive environment for research and development, skill development, entrepreneurship and job creation in the country.