In Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu starts his AI push with a Google boost

In line with his technocratic style, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has enlisted US tech giant Google to push artificial intelligence (AI) in the state.

The government has signed an agreement for Google to conduct AI training for industries delivering healthcare and promoting environmental well-being. It was signed in the presence of information technology minister Nara Lokesh, Chandrababu’s son.

The idea, he said, was to facilitate ease of living and the way to do this was to provide basic services speedily with the help of advanced technology. The agreement will focus on collaboration between the two entities to develop an AI-ready workforce and encourage startups based in the state.

Google plans to enrol at least 10,000 people for its Google AI Essentials course, and provide personnel to help train an AI-ready workforce to take the state forward, Lokesh said.

Google will also assist in upskilling programmes for government employees, including Google Cloud certifications and accreditation in subjects such as cybersecurity, data analytics and generative AI.

Eligible startups will get cloud credits, technical training and support to ensure the success of their businesses too.