Hyderabad: India has historically lagged behind in previous industrial revolutions, joining only towards the end. As the world stands on the brink of a new industrial era driven by artificial intelligence, the Telangana government is determined not to miss this opportunity. They aim to compete on a global scale to embrace and shape the future of AI.
To make significant progress in this field, IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu announced in an interview that AI City will begin operations immediately, without waiting for the infrastructure to be fully developed at the Fourth City.
Q. When will the AI City be ready?
The AI City will begin operations immediately from a two lakh square feet area at the World Trade Centre in Shamshabad. Once the infrastructure at Fourth City is complete, the AI City will be relocated from the WTC.
Q. How will the state government utilize AI in administration?
The government plans to launch a pilot project using AI to enhance the effectiveness of its welfare schemes. This project will involve uploading data from all welfare schemes with AI assistance to track how well these benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
Q. The government aims to provide AI education to people of all age groups through skill universities. Microsoft is also offering software literacy to around 50,000 people in the state, and HYSEA is providing computer literacy to another 5,000 members, with plans to include AI training. How will the government address the challenge of skilled manpower and training?
To tackle the issue of skilled manpower and inadequate training, the Telangana government plans to introduce AI education as a foundational course in high schools and junior colleges, drawing inspiration from Finland’s approach. Additionally, skill universities will provide AI education to various age groups. Microsoft is contributing by offering software literacy to around 50,000 individuals, while HYSEA is extending computer literacy to 5,000 members and aims to include AI training as well.
Q. Concerns have been raised about software professionals potentially losing their jobs as AI becomes more prevalent. With many IT professionals in the state, how will this issue be addressed?
Embracing change is essential. To address job concerns, 24 global companies have signed MoUs with the state government to provide training and share advanced technology that minimizes coding. This technology involves new algorithms and AI skills that will not only help existing professionals retain their jobs but also create new job opportunities.
Q. Who are Telangana’s competitors in the AI sector? Is it Karnataka or Maharashtra?
Telangana is not focused on competing with other states but rather with developed nations. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy believes that early adopters will always have an advantage. The state is committed to making Hyderabad a global hub for artificial intelligence. The Global AI Summit has seen participation from over 2,000 delegates, and institutions like MIT, Georgia Tech, and New York University have expressed interest in the AI City. Additionally, Robin van Puyenbroeck from the World Trade Centre USA has offered to establish a World Trade Centre in Hyderabad, and companies like Yotta and Nvidia are setting up GPU facilities to advance computing capabilities.
Q. How many companies have committed to investing in the state following the Rs 40,000 crore investment promised at the Davos summit and during the recent US tour by the Chief Minister?
Over the past decade, approximately Rs 1 lakh crore was promised for investment in the state, but only about 30% of this materialized. While challenges remain in attracting investments, the government is actively engaging with companies that had entered into MoUs with the previous administration. The focus is on resolving issues and positively pursuing investment opportunities. Historically, significant infrastructure projects like the Software Technology Park, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Outer Ring Road, Metro Rail, and PV Narasimha Rao Expressway have transformed Hyderabad and continue to attract global investments.
