India has highly ambitious plans when it comes to leveraging AI in nation-building. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently signing three memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with IBM to advance and accelerate innovation in AI, semiconductor, and quantum technology for India, is a case in point. This partnership aims to accelerate India’s comprehensive national strategy for AI, strengthen efforts to be self-reliant in semiconductors, and

advance its National Quantum Mission. MeitY can now access IBM's expertise to build and advance India's competency and scale its growth mission in the AI, semiconductor, and quantum industries.

IBM would also be a knowledge partner of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and, in turn, share its experience with ISM on intellectual property, tools, initiatives, and skills development aimed at promoting innovation in semiconductor technologies such as logic, advanced packaging, and heterogeneous integration, and advanced chip design technologies, using the modernized infrastructure. IBM would also work with India AI and C-DAC, focusing on skills development, engaging the ecosystems, and accelerating R&D efforts in semiconductors, AI, and quantum, which are envisioned to advance and accelerate India’s innovation in these areas.

Commenting on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said, “The broader opportunity lies in creating a global standard talent pool in India, capable of taking advantage of the opportunities in quantum computing, AI, and semiconductors. Congratulations to IBM, and thank you for your partnership with the Ministry. I am glad that in such a short time, the Ministry, IBM, and the Government of India have come together and have entered into these MoUs that are certainly part of PM Modi’s vision.” The timing couldn’t be any better to come up with our annual special issue based on the IBM partner ecosystem. Do let us know your thoughts.