MeitY, IBM To Accelerate Innovation In AI, Semiconductor & Quantum Computing

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken a significant step towards fostering innovation and technological growth in India by signing three memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with tech giant IBM. These agreements aim to accelerate developments in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor technology, and quantum computing.

IBM’s Collaboration with Key Ministries

IBM will collaborate with three distinct entities within the ministry: Digital India, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). These partnerships hold the promise of advancing India’s self-reliance in semiconductors, as well as national strategies and missions related to AI and quantum technology.

Fostering AI Innovation through Digital India

One of the key outcomes of this collaboration is the establishment of a National AI Innovation Platform (AIIP) under the Digital India initiative. This platform will serve as a hub for imparting AI-related skills to the youth and enhancing the AI ecosystem in India.

Fostering AI Development and Incubation for National Impact

Furthermore, the AIIP will focus on integrating advanced foundation models and generative AI capabilities to support scientific, commercial, and human capital development in AI. It will also act as an accelerator for incubating AI technologies and applications for use cases of national importance.

Advancing Semiconductor Technology with ISM

Under the MoU with ISM, IBM will support the semiconductor research center to promote innovation in various areas related to semiconductor technology. IBM will provide expertise on intellectual property, tools, and skill development, focusing on logic, advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration, and advanced chip design technologies.

This collaboration aims to bolster India’s capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing, a crucial component of the electronics and technology industry.

Empowering Quantum Technology through C-DAC

The third MoU between IBM and C-DAC marks an essential collaboration in the advancement of the ‘National Quantum Mission.’ Together, they will work towards building competencies in quantum computing technology, imparting training to create a skilled talent pool in quantum technology, and fostering startups in this cutting-edge field.

The collaboration will also encompass workforce enablement, developing applications in areas of national interest, conducting research and development, and scaling up quantum services and infrastructure.

Upskilling Initiatives and FutureSkills Program

IBM will extend its support to MeitY and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) for the FutureSkills program, aimed at upskilling the Indian workforce in the latest technologies. The partnership will play a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of professionals in the fields of AI, semiconductor technology, and quantum computing.

Encouraging Startups and Global Tech Giants

The collaboration with IBM aligns with MeitY’s broader strategy of encouraging the Indian private sector and global technology giants to support key government initiatives and lend their expertise to startups. In the past, major tech companies like Google, Meta, HCL, and Infosys have partnered with MeitY for various projects, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing India’s technology landscape.

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