Kerala has all potential to make giant leap in Artificial Intelligence: Experts

With a robust startup ecosystem to its support, Kerala has all the potential to make a giant leap in Artificial Intelligence (AI), experts said Tuesday. Such is the percolation of AI application of late that its use gaining vitality, they noted at a conclave organised by 'Maker Village' at Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, Kalamassery. Titled 'AI enabled Transformational Changes Opportunities, Challenges, and Future for Startup Entrepreneurship', the day-long deliberations focused on the impact of AI on startup entrepreneurship in the state.

Roshy John, Global Head, Industrial Robotics and Cognitive Systems, TCS, said AI has trickled down to every walk of life in such a manner that its role could no longer be underplayed in Kerala. The state has not only the accessibilities and a strong start up ecosystem, but also immense support from the government, he noted while opening the session.

Anto Ajay Raj John, the senior architect, Deep Learning Framework Power Platform, IBM (India), called AI the fourth Industrial Revolution, adding that it was to touch every aspect of human life. "That being the scenario, in a state like Kerala, AI could be successfully employed in many fields. Say, in the form of a drone, to find out which crop is suitable or unsuitable in a particular farmland," he said.

The interaction between start-ups and research centres is very pertinent for a strong startup environment, said Ambedkar Dukkipati, Computer Service & Automation, IISc-Bangalore. "Hence, such an atmosphere in the state should be moulded for further improvement," he added. Raghavendra Bhat, Principal Engineer, INTEL India sought an equilibrium between the hardware and software industries. "Kerala is strong on the hardware startups and a little behind as far as the software startup industry is concerned," he said. "It is definitely not because of the lack of talent, but opportunities," he said.