Kerala's Strategic Push for AI: Focus on Investment and Employment

Kerala's government is enhancing the AI ecosystem by attracting investment and creating job opportunities. At the International Generative AI Conclave, the state's initiatives were highlighted, aiming to transform Kerala into a knowledge-driven, investment-friendly state with a focus on key sectors including AI, blockchain, and logistics.

Kerala's minister for industries, law and coir, P Rajeev, announced on Friday that the state government is prioritizing knowledge-based industries to solidify the AI ecosystem through attracting investment and creating employment opportunities. The announcement was made during a session at the two-day International Generative AI Conclave in Kochi.

Organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in collaboration with IBM, the conclave showcased the government's ambition to turn Kerala into a knowledge-centric economy. Rajeev emphasized that the state is open to investment from all sectors, with initiatives aimed at fostering an investment-friendly environment.

Highlighting the new industrial policy, the minister pointed out Kerala's strengths, such as skilled human resources, and identified 22 priority areas for development, including AI, blockchain, and robotics. Efforts to streamline the licensing process and set up private industrial parks are part of the state's investment strategy. Principal Secretary APM Muhammad Haneesh detailed the collaborative efforts in AI and the role of industry-academia partnerships in creating a skilled workforce.

The Kerala IT Forward Strategy aims for the state to contribute 10% of India's IT and electronics sector within five years. The strategy focuses on e-governance, innovation, and sustainable development through digital technologies, with plans for an AI-powered data center and a comprehensive genetic information repository.

(With inputs from agencies.)