Bhupendra Patel


Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence at GIFT City on Monday. Highlighting the significance of the centre, the Chief Minister stated that it would serve as a key think tank for the region, promoting innovation and technological advancements across multiple sectors.

The centre has been established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2024 between Gujarat’s Department of Science and Technology and Microsoft. The collaboration aims to advance AI capabilities in GIFT City. Within six months of the agreement, the centre has become operational, symbolizing Gujarat’s commitment to rapid technological development.


According to an official statement, the AI Center of Excellence will support both government initiatives and private industries. It aims to deliver effective and timely services to citizens while driving innovation at the grassroots level. The centre’s focus spans various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education, ensuring broad-based technological impact.

During the launch event, the Chief Minister also unveiled the Innovation Challenge and presented awards to 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for their innovative IoT-led solutions and startup initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, he remarked, “The AI Center of Excellence is a significant step toward establishing Gujarat as a hub for artificial intelligence and technology-driven development.”


The Chief Minister further emphasized that GIFT City, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to evolve with innovations like the AI Center. He added that the centre would act as a vital link between startups and industries, bridging knowledge gaps in AI technologies.

The Gujarat government has also formed an AI Task Force to leverage artificial intelligence to address challenges in sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and industries. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the centre would create an ecosystem bringing together experts, professionals, and startups to develop innovative solutions.

Gujarat Chief Secretary Rajkumar lauded the achievement, stating, “The launch of the AI Center of Excellence marks a proud moment for Gujarat. The state has established itself as a leader in adopting AI across sectors, strengthening its position as a manufacturing and technology hub.”

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Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted that over 1,000 MSMEs and 300 startups are already utilizing AI in Gujarat. He noted that initiatives like the India AI Mission and Semiconductor Mission have positioned Gujarat at the forefront of technological innovation.

Tapan Ray, MD and CEO of GIFT City outlined the city’s vision and infrastructure, emphasizing its role as a hub for finance, technology, and innovation. He described the AI Center as a collaborative effort involving the Government of Gujarat, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and global AI leaders.

Microsoft India and South Asia CEO DDrohini Srivatsa inaugurated the Innovation Challenge alongside the centre to provide AI-based solutions to real-world problems faced by industries and startups.

The event included presentations on AI applications in healthcare, quality control in food production, financial services, and digital payments. Attendees also explored an Experience Zone showcasing AI solutions in agriculture and health.

 

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