IBM sees more Kerala participation in TGMG

Close on the heels of the successful launch of its academic initiative aimed at driving open standards-based IT skills, technology giant IBM aims to hit Kerala big time with the second year's activities of its 'The Great Mind Challenge (TGMC).

Anil Menon, vice-president (marketing) of IBM in India, told Business Standard that last year the company saw a participation of 121 teams of students from Kerala.

"This year, we expect last year's record being surpassed in the state. Student teams from 61 colleges from Kerala have already registered for the contest," he said.

The contest would be open for all faculty and students of engineering colleges and MCA colleges across India, including metros and small towns.

Though India currently accounts for 28 per cent of IT/BPO talent among 28 low-cost countries, it has been pointed out that the country would need a 2.3-million-strong workforce by 2010 to maintain the current market share.

"Through this challenge, IBM hopes to create opportunities for student to work on real time projects and train them to be fit for the industry," he added.

The top 20 projects by the participating teams will be hosted on the internet to be used without charge by end users and IBM business partners .

IBM, which is expected to triple its investment in India, from $2 billion to nearly $6 billion in the next three years, has unveiled the initiative to provide a chance to all students to work on IBM technologies and get to work on industry relevant projects.

"It is also an opportunity for students, faculty and institutions to win rewards and recognition at the national level,"Menon added.