Last update:09 November 2024, 4:48 p.m. IST

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

The transformative power of AI is undeniable: it has the potential to increase productivity, simplify and automate tasks, improve prosperity and elevate governance.

The transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable: it has the potential to increase productivity, simplify and automate tasks, improve prosperity and elevate governance. Its potential to reshape our future is undeniable. However, for technology to make a real impact in our complex administrative landscape requires long-term vision, single-minded 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 advance public safety, improve governance, drive economic growth and empower citizens. With a forward-looking agenda, the state has rolled out several initiatives across sectors, from law enforcement and cybersecurity to industry partnerships and technical education.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has led this charge, launching initiatives to make Maharashtra a model state for an AI-driven economy.

MARVEL: AI in law enforcement

One of the most prominent AI initiatives in Maharashtra is MARVEL (Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement). MARVEL leverages AI to improve crime prediction, optimize intelligence collection, and streamline law enforcement operations. It helps law enforcement analyze large volumes of data to identify patterns, helping law enforcement teams better predict and respond to criminal activity. This initiative underlines Maharashtra’s commitment to institutionalize AI in governance, by creating a government unit dedicated specifically to MARVEL.

The Maharashtra Cybersecurity Project, recently launched in Navi Mumbai, complements this initiative by establishing robust defenses against cybercrime and protecting citizens against online threats.

Devendra Fadnavis, who is also in-charge of the Home Ministry, ensured that these projects not only represent ambitious goals but form an essential part of Maharashtra’s governance model, exemplifying the state’s proactive approach in public safety thanks to AI.

Building an AI-ready workforce: centers of excellence and skills development

AI is only as powerful as the workforce that drives it, and Maharashtra has invested in AI education and upskilling to build a talent pipeline that can 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 centers of excellence bring together academia, industry and government, bridging the skills gap in the technical workforce of Maharashtra.

In 2018, the University of Mumbai partnered with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence to create an AI and data science ecosystem, marking a significant milestone in academic collaboration. Most recently, the University of Birmingham partnered with the Government of Maharashtra in February 2024 to create a specialist AI research hub. This facility focuses on practical applications of AI in agriculture and healthcare, two priority sectors for the state.

Adding to these efforts is the Universal AI University in Karjat, a suburb of Mumbai. This first-of-its-kind private AI university aims to provide comprehensive training in multidisciplinary applications of AI, ensuring that Maharashtra has a workforce equipped to meet the changing demands of an economy focused on AI.

Industry partnerships: expanding the reach of AI in key sectors

Realizing the power of collaboration, Maharashtra has partnered with major industry players to expand the reach of AI across sectors. Earlier this year, Devendra Fadnavis signed a memorandum of understanding with Google to integrate AI in agriculture, healthcare and education. The partnership will also establish a Center of Excellence in AI at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Nagpur, thereby laying the foundation for an ‘AI for Maharashtra’ strategy aimed at empowering citizens and creating 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 headquartered in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. This collaboration is part of the vision championed by Fadnavis, positioning Maharashtra as a hub of the fourth industrial revolution.

Maharashtra is also using AI for its conservation efforts: Pench Tiger Reserve has deployed 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 strengthen Maharashtra’s capacity to leverage AI in strategic sectors, but also foster an ecosystem where the government, private sector and civil society can collaborate to address complex challenges.

Atmanirbharta in AI: developing autonomy in the AI ​​ecosystem

Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) is one of the central tenets of Maharashtra’s AI strategy. Maharashtra is committed to strengthening self-reliance across the AI ​​value chain, ensuring that the state controls critical parts of its AI infrastructure. Mega Networks, an IT hardware manufacturer, has chosen Maharashtra as its AI server production hub and is one of the two Indian companies chosen for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) 2.0 scheme for the computer hardware. The move supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, aligning with the national goal of reducing dependence on foreign technology and strengthening domestic supply chains.

By focusing on local capabilities, Maharashtra is laying the foundation for long-term sustainability in the field of AI. This focus on local manufacturing and self-reliance will ensure that Maharashtra has the infrastructure to meet its AI needs, furthering its goal of becoming an AI hub not only for India but also 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) programme, launched by the Prime Minister in 2018, which aims to foster innovation and technological development in the fields of defense and aerospace by engaging innovators and entrepreneurs to provide technologically advanced solutions to modernize the Indian Army.

MSMEs in Maharashtra are increasingly becoming an integral part of the defense supply chain and AI is playing an important role in this transformation. Industry-academia partnerships are driving research and development in the field of 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 among small businesses, recognizing the transformative potential that AI holds for MSMEs. By integrating AI into defense and encouraging MSMEs to participate in the supply chain, Maharashtra is creating a model where AI is not limited to big businesses but is democratized for all.

The positive impacts of the AI ​​push in Maharashtra are already becoming evident. AI reduces the state’s dependence on imports by building a strong domestic supply chain, particularly in the areas of defense and technology. AI-enabled manufacturing initiatives are generating jobs and upskilling the workforce, thereby creating new opportunities for the youth of Maharashtra.

Conclusion: The future of AI in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is not just riding the AI ​​wave, but is actively shaping the direction of AI-driven 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 frontier of AI is a model to imitate for other States.

Devendra Fadnavis’ vision seems clear: to 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 carving out a legacy that will make it a leader in AI in India and set a benchmark for how states can leverage 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 Prabhadhini Incubation Center. He is currently the in-charge (West Maharashtra) of the BJP’s intellectual cell. The opinions expressed in the article above are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of News18.