IBM and the Government of Gujarat have formed a strategic partnership to create an AI cluster at Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Saturday, aims to utilize IBM’s ‘Watson’ platform to promote innovation and encourage cooperation among financial institutions within GIFT City.
The initiative will provide financial institutions with access to an AI Sandbox, support for proof of concept development, AI literacy programs, and digital assistant solutions. This effort underscores the commitment to accelerating digital transformation within Gujarat’s burgeoning financial hub.
Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India and South Asia, highlighted the strategic importance of AI in today’s business landscape, emphasising its role in enhancing productivity, driving innovation, and improving customer experience. “This collaboration marks a significant step in our ongoing association with the Government of Gujarat. By establishing this AI cluster, we aim to make the latest AI solutions readily accessible to the vibrant and growing number of financial institutions in GIFT City,” Patel stated.
As part of the MoU, IBM will deploy its software technologies and platforms over a cloud environment, enabling financial institutions to customise and refine large language AI models in a secure sandbox setting. Furthermore, IBM plans to develop a digital assistant-based solution to facilitate the onboarding and integration of these customised AI models for financial institutions. In alignment with IBM’s global commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030 and train 2 million learners in AI by the end of 2026, the company will also roll out an AI curriculum for schools and universities across Gujarat. This educational initiative aims to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
The establishment of the AI cluster at GIFT City is poised to significantly enhance the region’s technological landscape, offering advanced AI solutions and fostering a collaborative environment for financial institutions. This partnership between IBM and the Government of Gujarat is a testament to the state’s dedication to embracing digital transformation and fostering innovation in its financial sector.
