In a significant move towards fortifying its presence in the technology domain within India, IBM has forged three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian government. These strategic collaborations are set to focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum computing, aiming to expedite research and development (R&D) efforts and augment expertise in these pivotal domains.
Under the aegis of Digital India Corporation, IBM is slated to establish a National AI Innovation Platform (AIIP). This platform will primarily concentrate on the development of AI skills, fostering ecosystem growth, and integrating advanced foundational models and generative AI capabilities. The AIIP is poised to function as an accelerator, nurturing competencies in AI technologies and their applications for nationally significant use cases. Furthermore, it will leverage IBM’s WatsonX platform capabilities, encompassing model deployment in language, code, and geospatial science, thereby facilitating model training for various domains.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, emphasized the pivotal nature of these technological domains, remarking, “These are technologies that will shape the future of tech. The MoUs represent tremendous opportunities for academia, startups, innovation ecosystems, and the broader opportunity of creating global standard talent.”
Additionally, IBM will play a pivotal role as a knowledge partner in the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) through the establishment of a semiconductor research center. This strategic collaboration envisages IBM sharing its expertise with ISM, encompassing intellectual property, tools, and skills development, all geared towards fostering innovation in semiconductor technologies, including logic, advanced packaging, and chip design technologies.
The Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is also actively exploring opportunities for collaboration, with a particular focus on supporting India’s National Quantum Mission. Their collaborative efforts will concentrate on creating applications in areas of national interest and cultivating a highly skilled quantum workforce.
Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India & South Asia, underscored the company’s steadfast commitment to these initiatives, stating, “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to be the trusted partner for India in enhancing its innovation capabilities. Supporting the government’s efforts in building infrastructure, enhancing human capital, and promoting knowledge creation in these three technological areas is integral to India’s digital transformation and economic growth.”
In a recent development, IBM has announced an ambitious initiative to train an impressive two million learners in artificial intelligence by the end of 2026. The primary objective of this endeavor is to prioritize underrepresented communities and contribute to narrowing the global AI skills gap.
This proactive approach by IBM and its strategic collaborations with the Indian government herald a new era in technological advancements within India. The establishment of the AIIP, partnership with ISM in semiconductor research, and contributions to India’s National Quantum Mission all underscore IBM’s commitment to enhancing innovation capabilities in the country.
These initiatives not only bolster India’s technological prowess but also pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for the nation’s workforce. By focusing on skill development and fostering innovation, IBM’s collaborative efforts are poised to leave a lasting impact on the landscape of Indian technology. With these strategic partnerships in place, the stage is set for India to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing on a global scale.
