Telangana Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission's Revv Up program

Monday's release of the "State of AI Ecosystem in Telangana" report highlighted the state's Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements. This exhaustive report, compiled by the Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM), supported by NASSCOM, and commissioned by the State government, details Telangana's meteoric ascent as a global AI powerhouse; has propelled more than 142 AI ventures by providing them with market access, funding, mentorship, and cutting-edge AI computing infrastructure.

According to an official statement, it highlights the harmonious convergence of cutting-edge research, diversified talent, robust infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.

The State has been driving transformative projects such as quality assessment of agricultural commodities, authentication of pensioners' life certificates using selfies, and pothole detection and mapping, among others, to infuse technology into critical sectors for efficient, secure, and citizen-friendly solutions. According to the report, T-AIM's Grand Challenges have helped to catalyze innovation and harness entrepreneurial spirit to resolve existing challenges in the public sector.

According to the SCImago Institutions Rankings 2022, six universities in Telangana are ranked among the top 1,000 worldwide for research publications in computer science, highlighting the state's AI prowess. Notably, the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH) rank first and second, respectively, with 508 and 552 positions.

Between 2011 and 2022, the region published a remarkable 1,774 AI-related works. This represents a significant contribution to the field. According to the report, robotics and computer vision represent 61 percent of all patent applications filed in Telangana.

The State has championed diversity, as evidenced by a Gender Parity Index (GPI) of 1.09 in the student population, and recognizes the crucial role diversity plays in removing decision biases during AI model training. In order to meet the current demand for AI talent, T-AIM has launched numerous initiatives, such as the Academic Grand Challenges, which foster innovation, problem-solving, and talent identification among students.

Revv Up has propelled more than 142 AI ventures by providing them with market access, funding, mentorship, and cutting-edge AI computing infrastructure. The State's strategic partnerships facilitate the entry of artificial intelligence (AI) firms into foreign markets and encourage their participation in international events. State's robust startup ecosystem has been providing additional impetus for the development of these startups.

The report will now assist the state in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that will expand the landscape of artificial intelligence in Telangana. Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM) will orchestrate a series of strategic initiatives in collaboration with all key stakeholders and facilitators within the State's AI ecosystem.