Chenn.AI connected: Tamil Nadu now plugs into Google's AI mainframe

Collaboration to power AI startups, supercharge workforce skills, and drive MSME tech adoption

It is time for Chenn.AI in Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) road map now. The global major has signed a deal with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the AI ecosystem in the state.

With this partnership, the company aims to skill 2 million youth in AI via Naan Mudhalvan, collaborate with startups, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the rural economy with advanced technology.

On Sunday, Tamil Nadu secured a Rs 400 crore investment from US-based Ohmium International to set up a manufacturing facility in the state. Chief Minister M K Stalin is currently on a visit to the US seeking investments in Tamil Nadu.

 

The Google deal comes after Alphabet — Google’s parent company — lined up its plans to manufacture Pixel smartphones in Tamil Nadu in a tie-up with Foxconn. This will be done at a former Nokia campus in Sriperumbudur, located 40 kilometres southwest of Chennai. Apart from smartphones, the US technology giant is also going to start manufacturing drones in the state through its subsidiary Wing LLC.

Google on Saturday exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to drive technological advancement and foster innovation in the state.

The MoU exchange took place in Google’s Mountain View office in the presence of Stalin and Industries Minister T R B Rajaa.

Amit Zavery, vice-president (V-P) and head of platform at Google Cloud, and Nanda Ramachandran, V-P of the Pixel business unit at Google, were also present.

Under the MoU, Google will work with Guidance, the Tamil Nadu government’s nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation, to support the development of a robust AI ecosystem. This includes providing access to advanced technologies and resources, with an emphasis on empowering individuals, businesses, and government entities to leverage AI for inclusive growth and progress.

“We are happy to collaborate with Google on advanced manufacturing, including the recently announced Made in India Pixel 8 phone being manufactured in Tamil Nadu. The MoU signed will explore key AI initiatives under the Tamil Nadu AI Labs. Our partnership with Google is a big step forward towards establishing Tamil Nadu as a thriving AI and advanced electronics manufacturing hub. We are not just adopting technology; we are harnessing its power to propel our state into the future," Rajaa said.

“CM’s visionary Naan Mudhalvan, which is India's largest upskilling initiative, aims to equip the youth of Tamil Nadu with future-ready AI skills and spark innovation across key sectors such as startups, mobility, health care, and other real-world challenges. The state is committed to equipping 2 million youth with cutting-edge AI skills to prepare them for the future. We look forward to exploring initiatives with Google under this programme,” he added.

“We’re thrilled to partner the Tamil Nadu government on their journey towards an AI-powered future. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and technological progress through AI. We look forward to working together to build a thriving AI ecosystem in Tamil Nadu — one that not only drives innovation and creates opportunities but also empowers individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age,” Zavery added.

Google and the Government of Tamil Nadu are exploring collaborations regarding the manufacturing of Pixel 8 phones. The Made in India Pixel 8 devices are being manufactured in Tamil Nadu through local partnerships. Google will collaborate with the government to upskill Tamil Nadu’s workforce with AI capabilities and explore AI learning initiatives under the flagship Naan Mudhalvan upskilling platform.