In his initial statements, Minister KTR stated that AI serves as a powerful tool that makes room for government innovation, for tackling traditionally difficult or nearly impossible problem statements.

Quoting CM KCR, Minister KTR said “Any technology that is not used to improve the lives of common people is of least relevance. The focus of our state should be using these technologies to improve the life of a common man.”

Minister KTR stated that the AI decision support systems will help the government in planning data-driven policy interventions in governance, food systems, security, healthcare, education, and beyond.

Minister said that the COVID scenario has only taught us more about how technology would always be central to both governance and growth. “Tackling the pandemic and its associated economic challenges has been a top priority for all states, and AI has played a crucial role here,” he added.

Minister stated that the COVID-19 Data Platform deployed in association with NASSCOM is one example for smart and data-driven governance which enabled the government to make timely decisions on augmenting medical capacities and systematic unlocking of specific industries.

Talking about the ‘2020 – Year of AI’ initiative, Minister KTR stated that the government has partnered with several reputed organizations from industry and academia.

Talking about the use of AI in agriculture, Minister KTR stated that the Government of Telangana is pioneering the idea of ‘Regulated farming’ as an integral feature of agricultural practices, to promote market demand-based cultivation. He also mentioned that plans are on to integrate the initiative with the AI4AI project.

Minister highlighted that special programs are ideated, and initiatives are planned to build the AI-oriented talent pool in Telangana with initiatives focusing on students, faculty, and working professionals.

Minister stated that the Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) is currently working on strengthening the social innovation ecosystem in Telangana. T- Social Startups Network (TSSN), under the Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) and anchored by AIC-IIITH, as a dedicated platform for stakeholders for the Social Innovation Ecosystem will amplify the overall impact and focus on Social Innovation and Social Impact in the State. It also acts as a forum to introduce enablers and Social Startups to each other and outside players.

Mentioning about T-Hub and Research and Innovation Circle Hyderabad (RICH) he said these two initiatives will anchor several AI Innovation cohorts in-state priority sectors. RICH is a Government of Telangana initiative which facilitates the process of taking research to market.

Minister also launched the NASSCOM – EY India India CXO Survey Report at the summit.

Emerging Technologies Director Rama Devi also participated in the summit.