A successful IT and startups hub in the country, Kerala is set to emerge as India’s nerve centre of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by leveraging AI tools and systems in all sectors besides making indigenous contributions in the domain, Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan said here today.

The Chief Minister was speaking while inaugurating the country’s first International Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) at Lulu Grand Hyatt Bolgatty International Convention Center.

Minister for Industries, Law and Coir Shri P Rajeeve presided over the opening session of the two-day flagship event organised by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in collaboration with IBM.  

Integrating AI into all key sectors including tourism, healthcare, education, IT and renewable energy will stimulate the economic growth and improve the quality of life of people, Shri Vijayan said.

The conclave is a stepping stone towards elevating Kerala into the hub GenAI in the country.  It assumes greater significance as it is taking place at a time when GenAI is rapidly developing and opening up myriad opportunities in the world, the Chief Minister said.

“The government has identified AI as a focus sector in its new Industrial Policy. More AI-based investments are anticipated in the state in near future,” Shri Vijayan said.   

Calling for a proactive approach in technology, Shri Vijayan said automated warning systems using AI can be explored in saving lives from human-animal conflicts, reported from areas close to forests.

Similarly, AI can give solutions for improving irrigation, agriculture production and climate change mitigation, environmental protection and forecast of adverse weather incidents, he said.

Noting that Kerala is in forefront of integrating AI into education system, the Chief Minister said Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) is providing AI training for teachers.

Lulu Group International CMD Shri Yusuff Ali M.A, who is NORKA Roots Vice-Chairman, was the Guest of Honour.

Principal Secretary, (Industries), Shri A. P. M. Mohammed Hanish and Secretary, Electronics & IT Dr Rathan U Kelkar were also present at the inaugural session.

Terming the conclave as a milestone event for the entire country, Shri Rajeeve said the GenAI is set to revolutionalise industry by enhancing efficiency and productivity. This conclave is a platform to explore possibilities like how GenAI can address the real life challenges and to expand the avenues for growth, besides developing tools that can benefit various sectors through our economy and society.

On concerns about AI replacing jobs, Shri Rajeeve said those who have learned these technologies will thrive and we have to equip ourselves with AI skills by ensuring our relevance and competitiveness in job market.

“This advantage will create new job opportunities for our youth, besides driving economic growth and innovation. As Kerala is committed to this vision, the government has integrated AI into school curriculum and trained 80,000 teachers on how to use AI tools. Universities have transformed their syllabi to be more adoptable to new technologies,” the Minister explained. 

Asserting that Kerala has a tradition of pioneering technological advancement, Shri Rajeeve said through this conclave, the state reaffirms its dedication to be in the forefront of this technological wave.  The Minister also invited companies and investors in AI sector to Kerala to explore the opportunities that Kerala offers.

Shri Rajeeve added that the conclave aims to impart an added momentum to the state’s transformation into a knowledge economy that adopts and integrates cutting-edge technology in all spheres.

In his welcome address, Shri Hanish, said around 4,500 participants have registered for the event through online and offline including students and experts from various industries.

Shri Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President, IBM, said IBM is focusing on how to contribute back to society through GenAI. “The conclave will showcase how we can infuse GenAI into enterprises, besides exploring how a product created in Kochi can be branded globally,” he added. 

KSIDC MD and Director of Industries & Commerce and Secretary, I&PRD, Shri S. Harikishore, proposed a vote of thanks.

KSIDC Executive Director, Shri Hari Krishnan R; KSIDC Chairman Shri Paul Antony; IT Mission Director Mrs Anu Kumari; CUSAT  Vice Chancellor Dr PG Sankaran; Digital University, Kerala, Vice Chancellor Dr Saji Gopinath; and Kerala Startup Mission CEO Shri Anoop Ambika, were also present.

The meet brings together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to explore the transformative potential of AI. 

The conclave has an array of participants including developers, business leaders, academics and students, media and analysts, government officials, IBM clients and its partners. The event is also envisaged to provide a platform for exchange of ideas and insights that can shape the future of AI in India.