Kerala launches MeitY-backed AI Centre of Excellence inThiruvananthapuram

Kerala has launched the MeitY IndiaAI Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Thiruvananthapuram, establishing a new platform for applied AI research, startup development
and collaboration between government, academia and industry.

The centre, established under the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), was formally inaugurated on September 30 by Kerala Industries, IT and AI
Minister P K Kunhalikutty. Digital University Kerala is the implementing agency, while Innovation Incubator Advisory Pvt Ltd is the industry partner.

The centre will focus on developing and deploying AI applications, supporting AI-based startups and strengthening research and industry collaboration. Its areas of work include applied AI
research, AI entrepreneurship, public-sector applications, talent development, infrastructure and datasets.

As part of the launch, 15 startups were selected for the centre’s first cohort under pre-incubation, incubation and acceleration programmes. The selected companies are working
across areas including healthcare, legal technology, enterprise software, agriculture, food technology, robotics, defence and other applications of AI.

The centre is also expected to provide eligible startups and programme participants with access to computing infrastructure, datasets, technical support and industry collaboration opportunities,
according to its official website.

Speaking at the launch, Kunhalikutty said AI is expected to bring significant changes to the way people live and work. He also said the state government would work with Digital University
Kerala to strengthen Kerala’s AI ecosystem.

The initiative is intended to connect researchers, startups, technology companies and government agencies to develop practical AI applications. The centre’s programmes cover
areas ranging from AI research and startup incubation to AI adoption in government and other sectors.