IBM, MeitY sign MoU on AI, semiconductor, and quantum technologies

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) signed three memoranda of understanding with global technology company IBM in the ares of artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, and quantum computing.

As part of the partnership, IBM will work with IndiaAI, an independent business unit under MeitY’s Digital India Corporation, to establish a national AI Innovation Platform (AIIP). The platform will focus on AI skilling, integrating foundational models and generative AI capabilities, as well as acting as an accelerator for incubation and competency development in AI. AIIP will tap on IBM’s generative AI suite of solutions watsonx, including the ability to use models in language, code and geospatial science.

IBM will also act as a knowledge partner of  India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) for a semiconductor research center. IBM will lend its expertise in intellectual property, tools, and other skill development initiatives in logic, advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration, and advanced chip design technologies, using modernized infrastructure. 

Lastly, as per the third MoU signed with MeitY, IBM will work with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to develop India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM). To be sure, the union cabinet approved NQM in April, with an overall budget outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for eight years running. IBM and C-DAC will work towards workforce enablement, development of industries and startups, research and development, and quantum services and infrastructure.

“Supporting the government’s efforts in building infrastructure, enhancing human capital and knowledge creation in these three areas of technology will be integral to India’s digital transformation and economic growth,” said Sandip Patel, managing director, IBM India & South Asia.

Last week, IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar unveiled the first edition of the IndiaAI report. He also said that the country’s AI programme will be a kinetic enabler for achieving India’s goal of $1 trillion digital economy by 2026.