Telangana's impressive AI Journey: T-AIM presents AI ecosystem report

HYDERABAD: The Telangana State, a thriving hub of technological innovation, unveiled a comprehensive report called the 'State of AI Ecosystem in Telangana'. This report, curated by the Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM) in collaboration with NASSCOM and initiated by the Government of Telangana, highlights the remarkable strides the State had taken in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It showcased Telangana's meteoric rise as a global powerhouse in AI, emphasising the convergence of cutting-edge research, diverse talent, robust infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.

The Telangana AI Mission is a specialised initiative established under the Emerging Technologies Wing of the Telangana Government's IT department, with the mandate to position Telangana and Hyderabad as the global AI hub in the coming years.

"The State's AI prowess is clearly evident in global rankings, with six universities securing spots in the top 1,000 for research publications in computer science according to SCImago Institutions Rankings 2022. Notably, the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH), and Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), lead the way with ranks of 508 and 552, respectively. Telangana has significantly contributed to AI research, boasting an impressive 1,774 AI-related publications between 2011 and 2022. The region excels in robotics and computer vision, accounting for 61% of total patent filings," said the report.

"Diversity is a core value in Telangana's AI journey, with a Gender Parity Index (GPI) of 1.09 among the student population. The State recognises the crucial role of diversity in eliminating biases during AI model training. To address the need for AI talent, T-AIM has initiated multifaceted programmes such as the Academic Grand Challenges, nurturing innovation, problem-solving, and talent identification among students.

"T-AIM's Revv Up programme, has been a catalyst for over 142 AI startups, offering access to markets, funding, mentorship, and state-of-the-art AI computing infrastructure. The State's strategic partnerships facilitate soft landings for AI startups in foreign markets and incentivise their participation in international events, further boosting the growth of these startups.

The advancements in Generative AI technology are noteworthy, enabling novel content creation across various domains. With a robust AI R&D and innovation ecosystem, Telangana is primed to play a pivotal role in the rapid expansion of this technology," the report said.

This report would guide the state in identifying and capitalising on numerous opportunities to expand the AI landscape in Telangana. T-AIM plans to collaborate synergistically with all key stakeholders and enablers within the state's AI ecosystem to orchestrate a series of strategic initiatives.

"Telangana's AI journey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, diversity, and excellence," affirmed Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Telangana. "As the youngest State, our dynamic AI ecosystem serves as a blueprint for others to emulate and is poised well to ignite transformation on both local and global fronts. AI is a strategic imperative for Telangana, and we will continue to support various initiatives that can strengthen our resolve," he added.