Kerala Introduces AI-Based Incentives for MSMEs at GenAI Conclave

Kerala, Jul 12 (KNN) In a bold move to establish Kerala as a leading destination for artificial intelligence (AI) in India, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has unveiled an Industries Policy that prioritises AI-based industries.

The policy, which includes 18 incentives to promote AI-driven MSMEs and companies, was announced during the inaugural address of the two-day 'International Conclave on GenAI' in Kochi on July 11.

The Chief Minister emphasised the state's commitment to AI integration across various sectors, including education. Kerala has introduced AI into school textbooks starting from Class VII, making it the first state in India to train all its teachers in AI through the KITE initiative.

This proactive approach aims to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities essential for the AI era.

Vijayan also highlighted the potential of AI in addressing pressing global issues. He cited examples such as predicting extreme weather events, tracking and preventing diseases like COVID-19 and Nipah, and developing solutions for wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict management.

Addressing concerns about AI's impact on employment, the Chief Minister acknowledged the need for adaptability and skill development. He called on companies and government agencies to create awareness about capacity-building opportunities in the AI field.

The state government's vision extends beyond economic growth, with Vijayan emphasising the importance of ethical AI practices. He urged stakeholders to remain vigilant against potential misuse of AI technologies, including biased algorithms and privacy breaches.

In a noteworthy initiative, the Chief Minister called for collaborative efforts to improve Malayalam language representation in large language models (LLMs) for generative AI.

This move aims to preserve the language in the digital age while ensuring its communities can fully benefit from AI advancements.

As Kerala positions itself as India's AI hub, the government anticipates increased AI-based investments in the coming years. With its robust IT and startup ecosystem, the state aims to become a nerve centre for indigenous contributions to generative AI, further solidifying its position in the global AI landscape.

The conclave, which marks a significant milestone in Kerala's AI journey, will be followed by a roundtable conference on Robotics, demonstrating the state's comprehensive approach to emerging technologies.

(KNN Bureau)