Google and the Maharashtra government have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence (CoE) at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Nagpur. This initiative aims to position Maharashtra as a leader in AI-driven innovation and technological advancement.

Announcing the development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the transformative potential of AI. He stated that the CoE would tackle real-world challenges while creating valuable opportunities for the youth of the state. The MoU signing took place in Mumbai after a high-level meeting between Fadnavis and Oliver Parker, Vice President of Global Generative AI GTM at Google, with senior officials from both sides participating in the discussions.

The AI CoE is designed to foster research and develop solutions for various sectors, making AI technology more accessible and practical. Chief Minister Fadnavis also revealed plans to establish an “Innovation City” in Maharashtra, which will focus on driving advancements in fields like IT, digital transformation, and gaming. He emphasized that these initiatives would ensure Maharashtra remains at the forefront of technological progress.

Nagpur, already emerging as a technology hub, is set to benefit further from this initiative. Over the years, consistent investments in IT, cloud computing, and digital tools have supported employment growth in the region. The new CoE is expected to strengthen this trajectory and solidify Nagpur’s reputation as a key center for innovation.

Google has reiterated its commitment to deep tech and AI initiatives across India, identifying Maharashtra as a priority area. The establishment of the AI Center of Excellence represents a pivotal step in advancing AI research and development, aligning with the state’s vision to lead in technology and innovation.