Last update:November 09, 2024, 4:48 PM IST

Maharashtra is not just riding the AI ​​wave, but is actively shaping the direction of AI-based governance, industry and social development

The transformative power of artificial intelligence is undeniable – it has the potential to increase productivity, simplify and automate tasks, enhance prosperity and increase governance.

The transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable – it has the potential to increase productivity, simplify and automate tasks, enhance prosperity and increase governance. Its potential to reshape our future is undeniable. However, for technology to truly impact our complex administrative landscape requires long-term vision, determined focus and strong, determined leadership.

Maharashtra has positioned itself as a pioneer in AI, establishing a framework that harnesses the transformative power of technology to promote public safety, improve governance, drive economic growth and empower citizens. With a forward-looking agenda, the state has launched several initiatives in various sectors, from law enforcement and cyber security to industrial partnerships and technical education.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has led the charge, spearheading initiatives to establish Maharashtra as a model state for the AI-driven economy.

MARVEL: AI in Law Enforcement

One of the most impactful AI-based initiatives in Maharashtra is MARVEL (Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement). MARVEL uses artificial intelligence to improve crime prediction, optimize intelligence gathering and streamline law enforcement operations. It supports law enforcement agencies in analyzing large volumes of data to identify patterns, helping law enforcement teams better predict and respond to criminal activity. This initiative highlights Maharashtra’s commitment to institutionalize AI in governance by creating a dedicated government unit specifically for MARVEL.

The Maharashtra Cyber ​​Security Project, recently launched in Navi Mumbai, complements this initiative by establishing robust defenses against cybercrimes and protecting citizens from online threats.

Devendra Fadnavis, who is also in-charge of the Home Department, ensured that these projects are not just ambitious goals but form an essential part of Maharashtra’s governance model, illustrating the state’s proactive approach to public safety through AI.

Building an AI-Ready Workforce: Centers of Excellence and Skills Development

AI is only as strong as the workforce driving it, and Maharashtra has invested in AI education and training to build a talent pool to fuel its AI ambitions. A recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) has led to the establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoE) for advanced areas such as AI, IoT, robotics and 3D printing. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), these CoEs bring together academia, industry and government, bridging the skill gap in Maharashtra’s technical workforce.

In 2018, the University of Mumbai partnered with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence to create an AI and data science ecosystem, marking a milestone in academic collaboration. More recently, the University of Birmingham joined forces with the Maharashtra government in February 2024 to establish a specialized center for AI research. This facility focuses on practical AI applications in agriculture and healthcare – two priority sectors for the state.

Adding to these efforts is the Universal AI University in Karjat, on the outskirts of Mumbai. This first-of-its-kind private AI university aims to provide comprehensive training for multi-disciplinary AI applications, ensuring that Maharashtra has a workforce equipped for the evolving demands of an AI-driven economy.

Industry partnerships: expanding AI coverage in key sectors

Recognizing the power of collaboration, Maharashtra has forged partnerships with major industry players to expand the reach of AI across sectors. Earlier this year, Devendra Fadnavis signed an MoU with Google to introduce AI in agriculture, healthcare and education. The partnership will also establish an AI Center of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Nagpur, laying the foundation for an ‘AI for Maharashtra’ strategy to empower citizens and create a thriving innovation ecosystem.

The Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Reliance Industries, launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is based in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. This collaboration is part of the vision that Fadnavis championed, positioning Maharashtra as a hub for the fourth industrial revolution.

Maharashtra is also using AI for conservation efforts: The Pench Tiger Reserve has implemented AI for early detection of forest fires. The project was successfully implemented through a collaboration between Pench Tiger Reserve, Satpuda Foundation, Umgrameio (Brazil) and Forest Fire Tech, a division of Scaale Inc., USA. Part of the project was funded by Solar Industries India Ltd, Nagpur and the rest by the Government of Maharashtra.

These partnerships not only enhance Maharashtra’s ability to use AI in strategic sectors, but also foster an ecosystem where the government, private sector and civil society can work together to address complex challenges.

Atmanirbharta in AI: Building self-confidence in the AI ​​ecosystem

A central tenet of Maharashtra’s AI strategy is Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). Maharashtra is committed to creating self-sufficiency across the AI ​​value chain by ensuring that the state controls critical parts of its AI infrastructure. Mega Networks, a hardware manufacturer, has chosen Maharashtra as its hub for AI server manufacturing and is one of two Indian firms chosen for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) 2.0 scheme for IT hardware. This move supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, aligning with the national goal of reducing dependence on foreign technologies and strengthening domestic supply chains.

By focusing on indigenous capabilities, Maharashtra is laying the foundation for long-term sustainability in AI. The focus on local manufacturing and self-reliance will ensure that Maharashtra has the necessary infrastructure to meet its AI needs, furthering its goal of becoming an AI hub not only for India but potentially for global markets.

AI for economic growth

Maharashtra has taken steps to foster a diverse AI ecosystem by leveraging initiatives such as the Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) scheme, launched by the Prime Minister in 2018, which aims to boost innovation and development in defense and aerospace technology by employing innovators and entrepreneurs to provide technologically advanced solutions for the modernization of the Indian Army.

SMEs in Maharashtra are increasingly becoming an integral part of the defense supply chain and AI is an important part of this transformation. Industry-academia partnerships drive research and development in AI, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications. This approach ensures that Maharashtra’s AI ecosystem is not only innovative but also accessible, benefiting a wide range of industries and startups.

Fadnavis has made it a priority to drive AI adoption in small businesses, recognizing the transformative potential AI holds for SMEs. By integrating AI into defense and encouraging SMEs to participate in the supply chain, Maharashtra is creating a model where AI is not limited to large corporations but is democratized for all.

The positive impacts of Maharashtra’s AI push are already becoming evident. AI reduces the state’s dependence on imports by building a robust domestic supply chain, particularly in defense and technology. AI-based manufacturing initiatives are generating employment and improving the workforce, creating new opportunities for the youth of Maharashtra.

Conclusion: Maharashtra’s AI Future

Maharashtra is not just riding the AI ​​wave, but is actively shaping the direction of AI-based governance, industry and social development. From positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation to creating an environment where AI can positively impact all levels of society, Maharashtra’s journey to the AI ​​frontier is a model for other states to emulate.

Devendra Fadnavis’ vision seems clear: lead Maharashtra into an era where technology fuels economic growth, improves quality of life and contributes to a globally competitive and self-sustaining AI economy. As Maharashtra continues on this path, it is creating a legacy that will make it a leader in AI in India and set a benchmark for how states can use technology for inclusive and sustainable development.

The author is an angel investor and startup mentor for Atal Innovation Mission, Government of India and Atal-Rambhau Mhalgi Prabhodhini Incubation Centre. He is currently the Leader (West Maharashtra) of the BJP Intellectual Cell. The opinions expressed in the piece above are personal and solely the author’s. They do not necessarily reflect the views of News18.