The Tamil Nadu Government Has Teamed up With Google to Build AI Labs

Nitin Konde, Apoorva Bajj

Sep 3, 2024 — 3 min read

The Tamil Nadu Government Has Teamed up With Google to Build AI Labs

The government of Tamil Nadu and tech giant Google have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish "Tamil Nadu AI Labs" in Chennai.

Google and Guidance, the government agency in Tamil Nadu responsible for promoting and facilitating investments, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to help the establishment of a strong artificial intelligence ecosystem. Enabling individuals, businesses, and government bodies to harness AI for equitable growth and advancement involves giving access to innovative technologies and resources.

Minister for Industries Govt of Tamil Nadu TRB Rajaa announced a new relationship with Google and the launch of a new programme called '#TamilNaduAILabs' at Guidance TN in Chennai in a post on X.

The minister went on to say that the partnership's goals include assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the rural economy, helping two million youths become AI experts through the Naan Mudhalvan initiative, and working together with startups. Following the visit of Chief Minister M K Stalin to the United States, this statement is issued.

Rajaa went on to say that the state government established over 4,000 high-quality employment and attracted investments worth INR 900 crore through the signing of six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in various high-impact sectors.

Sectors and Investments

Some of the companies that have invested in this region include Nokia's research and development center in Siruseri, PayPal's development center in Chennai focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, Microchip and Yield Engineering Systems in Coimbatore, Applied Materials' advanced AI technology center, and Infinx's technology center in Madurai.

"Since CM Stalin has arrived in the US, Tamil Nadu is speeding into a new age of technological innovation, design of semiconductors, and artificial intelligence!" Rajaa posted.

This is significant because, following the post-pandemic spike in digitization, a growing number of large tech companies are considering investments in India to meet the country's increasing demand.

Google began producing the Pixel 8 smartphone here earlier this month. Executives at the company are also quite optimistic about the premium smartphone market in India and its enormous growth potential.

Mentorship and networking opportunities with Google experts and industry leaders will be provided by Google in collaboration with Tamil Nadu's startup ecosystem. The two will also host AI-focused events to address local concerns and encourage creativity and problem-solving. Eligible artificial intelligence businesses that have received venture capital funding can participate in the Google for Businesses program, which offers cloud credits, technical training, and business support to help them expand faster.

Google Showing Keen Interest in India

On the other hand, earlier this year, it was reported that Google was in advanced discussions to purchase a 22.5-acre land piece in Juinagar, which is located in Navi Mumbai, to construct the tech giant's very first captive data center in India for the price of INR 850 crore.

Additionally, the leaders of the company are optimistic about the enormous development potential that India possesses in the premium smartphone market.

According to reports, the IT giant has already inked various lease agreements for space at colocation data centers in Navi Mumbai and Noida.