Tamil Nadu govt to partner Google for AI skilling

CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin has invited technology majors Apple, Google and Microsoft to invest and expand their operations in the state.

Stalin, who is currently touring the US to attract investments, also met LinkedIn chief executive Ryan Roslanski among others, according to a release from the govt.

Guidance TN, the state govt's nodal agency for investment promotion, will set up an artificial intelligence (AI) lab in partnership with Google for which a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the company on Friday.

"Tamil Nadu is committed to skilling two million youngsters in AI via Naan Mudhalvan along with Google," the chief minister was quoted as saying.

Industries minister T R B Rajaa in a post on X said the skilling programme will include collaborating with startups to enable MSMEs. "We want our youth to be a future-ready workforce," he added.

The chief minister also discussed the issue of Pixel 8 phones manufactured in the state, possibilities of making more Google products and setting up centres in the state, collaborating with startups and AI development with Google executives, the release stated.

Separately, during his interaction with representatives of Seattle-based Microsoft representatives, the chief minister discussed investment opportunities in data centres, setting up global capability centres and AI skilling.

Stalin spoke highly of Tamil Nadu's manufacturing prowess and thanked Apple for its manufacturing facilities. He further discussed the efforts taken by the govt to improve the manufacturing ecosystem in the state.

On Saturday, Google in a statement said the collaboration with TN govt to build an AI-enabled ecosystem will focus on initiatives in key areas such as start-up enablement, skilling, and industrial ecosystem enablement including MSMEs to create scalable solutions.

The company will work with Guidance TN to support the development of a robust AI ecosystem, including providing access to advanced technologies and resources, it said.

Amit Zavery, VP and Head of Platform of Google Cloud, said, "We look forward to working together to build a thriving AI ecosystem in Tamil Nadu - one that not only drives innovation and creates opportunities but also empowers individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age."

As per the statement, "Google will collaborate with the govt to upskill Tamil Nadu's workforce with AI capabilities, and explore AI learning initiatives under the 'Naan Mudhalvan' upskilling platform."

"Google will work alongside Tamil Nadu's startup ecosystem to offer mentorship and networking with Google experts and industry leaders, with AI-focused events designed to solve local challenges and foster innovation and problem

solving within the community. Google for Startup programme will provide eligible VC-funded AI startups with Cloud credits, technical training, and business support to accelerate their growth," it said.