Small Cities to Get AI Centres, Says Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad:Industries and IT minister D Sridhar Babu said on Friday that the government’s goal is to democratise access to AI and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed across sectors.

Speaking on the concluding day of AI Global Summit, Sridhar Babu emphasised that Telangana’s AI vision was rooted in inclusivity. “Our vision for AI is based on the belief that every citizen should have access to the fruits of this innovation. From empowering grassroots initiatives to advancing industrial growth, AI will be a transformative force in Telangana. The true measure of our success will be when every citizen benefits,” he said.

Sridhar Babu highlighted a strategy that will focus on centres of excellence to work on cybersecurity, semiconductors, and finance, innovation and growth across these industries. The government has plans to take AI innovation centres across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

This, he said, is aimed at bridging the urban-rural divide and creating new opportunities for communities state-wide. The state will also implement comprehensive frameworks for AI governance to safeguard citizens while promoting responsible AI innovations.

Telangana signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Trade Centres Association (WTCA) for the establishment of the World Trade Centre within the prestigious AI City. The WTC AI City will feature 1 million square feet of built-up space, housing companies at the forefront of AI and emerging technologies. This is poised to be one of the largest capacity building initiatives in the field of Global AI domain.

The campus will offer office spaces, trade services, training facilities, retail and entertainment zones, co-living spaces, a luxury hotel, and primary healthcare facilities. It will be an integrated mini smart city that promotes the ‘walk-to-work’ concept.

“Having WTC in the upcoming AI City is pivotal to our goal of growing IT exports from $32 billion to $200 billion. This partnership is a testament to Telangana’s commitment to driving economic growth through global collaboration,” Sridhar Babu said.

Robin van Puyenbroeck, executive director of WTCA, New York, stressed on the speed at which the WTC licence was granted. “Typically, securing a license for a new World Trade Centre is a lengthy process. However, given the bold vision of Telangana’s leadership, we expedited the process, approving the licence within a record one week.”

Sridhar Babu met young innovator Siddharth Nandalaya at the summit. He showcased his prosthetic arm. Seeing his passion, the minister gifted his watch to the student. “His passion was truly inspiring, and I gifted him my watch when he remarked, “I like your watch, sir,” said the minister in a post on X. Siddharth is currently refining the product at T-Works for commercialisation.