Nasscom opens second data, AI centre in Bengaluru, partners Niti Aayog for research

National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) said it has opened its second centre for data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in Bengaluru, along with the government of Karnataka.

Nasscom added it has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the central government’s top think tank, Niti Aayog, to collaborate over applied research, adoption, ethics, privacy and security.

Both the centre and the collaboration aim to spread intelligence among stakeholders so they can build capabilities in AI, said Nasscom.

Nasscom said it will support the government’s National Strategy for AI, facilitate collaboration between Niti Aayog and the centres. Also, Nasscom and Niti Aayog aim to use their skilling platform FutureSkills for innovation.

The opening of the centre is part of Nasscom’s nationwide programme on innovation focusing on solutions in smart manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, agriculture, energy, Internet of Things, banking and financial services, retail, telecom, and a host of other emerging technologies.

Nasscom has partnered Intel and IBM as its founding members and technology advisors for augmenting and accelerating the data science and AI ecosystem in the country.

“The vision behind the centre is to act as a catalyst for developing the emerging technology startup ecosystem of the country as well as to accelerate data science capabilities to provide concept and scale for industrial and societal needs. The centre will also function as an enabler of funding, acceleration, mentoring and enterprise for key emerging AI startups in the country,” said Debjani Ghosh, president, Nasscom.

The centre will also partner universities to provide access to skill and talent, alongside showcasing emerging startups across Nasscom platforms.