Telangana AI Mission: Think Evolve Consultancy wins Forest AI Challenge

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Artificial Intelligence Mission (T-AIM) on Tuesday announced Mumbai-based Think Evolve Consultancy as the winner of the Forest AI Grand Challenge. As part of the honour, the startup will receive mentoring support and up to Rs 20 lakhs from Capgemini towards the implementation of a pilot project with the Telangana Forest Department.

The challenge, which was conducted in partnership with Capgemini, was to foster innovation for the Telangana Forest Department using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Launched in April this year by T-AIM, the challenge was aimed at gathering detailed, large-scale knowledge about the estimated number, location and range-specific (movement) behaviour of animals in the forest region, using AI.

The challenge received 59 applications from across India. Twelve startups were given the opportunity to build a Proof of Concept and three startups received the opportunity to present their solutions to a jury comprising experts in technology and wildlife.

Speaking at the award ceremony held at T-Hub, Principal Secretary, Government of Telangana, Jayesh Ranjan, said, "In the true spirit of open innovation and collaboration, I am thrilled to see industry, startups and government come together for this excellent initiative led by Telangana AI Mission. My congratulations to the winning startup for presenting a novel AI-based solution for the Telangana Forest Department."

VP and CSR Leader at Capgemini India, Anurag Pratap, said, "At Capgemini, our commitment is to support transformative tech-based solutions which are designed to impact our people and planet positively. The Forest AI Grand Challenge brought many innovative ideas to the table by the participants. Hearty congratulations to the winning team and special thanks to Telangana IT Department, Telangana Forest Department and NASSCOM for being partners in this journey."