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The government of Karnataka has entered into a partnership with the World Economic Forum to boost the development and adoption of AI in India. The Karnataka state government’s initiative to establish a state-of-the-art AI center in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) marks a significant step towards positioning Karnataka as a global hub for AI startups.
Signed on February 29, the Letter of Intent signifies Karnataka’s integration into the WEF’s Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network, which focuses on inclusive technology governance and responsible digital transformation.
According to Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s IT-BT minister, the new AI center will be the WEF’s sole dedicated hub for AI in India, primarily focusing on positioning Karnataka as a prominent global AI hub.
The center aims to foster industry-academia networks, facilitate technological trend exchange, encourage research collaboration, and address global challenges in the AI domain.
In addition to promoting research and development, the center aims to support and nurture AI startups in Karnataka by providing a globally connected platform for collaboration and networking. Minister Kharge reiterated the state’s commitment to AI as a critical driver for digital economy growth, investments, and job creation, highlighting Bengaluru’s recognition as one of the top five global cities for AI.
Jeremy Jurgens, managing director of the WEF, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing Bengaluru’s leadership in innovation. He hoped the partnership would demonstrate AI’s potential for economic growth and social prosperity.
The establishment of the AI centre is expected to enhance Karnataka’s leadership in the AI field. It will contribute to the global discourse on AI’s ethical and practical dimensions while boosting the local economy through innovation and job creation.
