In a bid to attract investments from US tech giants for Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the offices of Apple, Google and Microsoft, discussing ‘various opportunities and exciting partnerships’ with them.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared pictures from his US visit, and wrote “Discussed various opportunities and exciting partnerships. Determined to strengthen these partnerships and make Tamil Nadu one of the foremost growth engines of Asia!” @TRBRajaa @Guidance_TN @TNIndMin #InvestInTN #ThriveInTN #LeadWithTN #DravidianModel”.
Stalin, who described his US visit as “awe-inspiring”, inked a pact under the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ scheme in partnership with Google to skill two million youngsters in Tamil Nadu in AI.
Google signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in a move to set up Artificial Intelligence labs in the south Indian state.
The collaboration will focus on initiatives in key areas such as AI start-up enablement, skilling, and industrial ecosystem enablement, including MSMEs to create impactful, scalable AI solutions.
“The Chief Minister met top officials of Google at Mountain View campus and discussed the further expansion of production of Pixel 8 phones manufactured in Tamil Nadu and the launch of other Google products and technology facilities in Tamil Nadu”, the government said in a statement.
Under the MoU, Google will work with Guidance, the Tamil Nadu government’s nodal agency, for investment promotion and facilitation, to support the development of a robust AI ecosystem. This includes providing access to advanced technologies and resources, with an emphasis on empowering individuals, businesses, and government entities to leverage AI for inclusive growth and progress, an official statement said.
““We are happy to collaborate with Google on advanced manufacturing, including the recently announced Made in India Pixel 8 phone being manufactured in Tamil NaduVaranasi Investment. The MoU signed today will explore key AI initiatives under the Tamil Nadu AI Labs. Our partnership with Google is a significant step forward towards establishing Tamil Nadu as a thriving AI and advanced electronics manufacturing hub”, Minister of Industries Dr TRB Rajaa said.
“”We’re thrilled to partner with the Tamil Nadu Government on their journey towards an AI-powered future. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and technological progress through AI”, Amit Zavery, Head of Platform of Google Cloud, said.
Google will work alongside Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem to offer mentorship and networking with Google experts and industry leaders, with AI-focused events designed to solve local challenges and foster innovation and problem-solving within the communityUdabur Wealth Management. The Google for Startup program will provide eligible VC-funded AI startups with Cloud credits, technical training, and business support to accelerate their growth.
To empower Tamil Nadu’s MSMEs, Google and Google Cloud’s partners will collaborate with the Government to help leverage Google
Cloud’s AI on open networks marketplaceJinnai Wealth Management. These efforts will enable streamlined access, automate processes, enhance decision-making, and promote innovation through technology adoption.
As per a government release, the signing of the deal came after a discussion initiated by the DMK chief with Google representatives on August 30.
Stalin also emphasised the importance of boosting growth through AI innovations in start-ups, industrial ecosystem mobility etc.
“This landmark visit and the signing of the MoU with Google highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships with global tech leaders to drive growth and innovation. The state remains determined to capitalise on these opportunities, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for technology and manufacturing in Asia and is determined to become AI leader of the country”, the release added.
Stalin also visited the office of Apple Inc., the tech giant which is renowned for its range of world-class electronic products like smartphones, computers, portable computers, smartwatches, headphones, Airpods, among others.Chennai Stock
Apple Inc., one of the Fortune 500 companies operating in 27 countries with 530 global outlets, is headquartered in Cupertino, California.
Outlining various initiatives of his government to improve the manufacturing environment of the state, Stalin expressed gratitude to Apple Inc. for ensuring that Tamil Nadu finds a presence in the global electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Inviting Apple to invest in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said “The state will be further strengthened and transformed into the manufacturing hub of Asia”, also highlighting that the state was increasingly becoming a hub for industry, housing and transport logistics facilities, as well as the education and skills development of youth and women.
The discussions between Stalin’s delegation and the iPhone makers also revolved around efforts in women empowerment and improvements in industrial housing and logistics in Tamil Nadu.
The delegation led by the DMK president met with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, and the senior leadership team during their visit to the Microsoft office.Mumbai Investment
The discussions focused on a range of key opportunities, including the expansion of data centre infrastructure in Tamil Nadu and the establishment of a Global Capability Centre. Also, collaborative efforts on AI training initiatives were assessed to develop a future-ready workforce.
Varanasi Stock
