Maharashtra delegation woos AI, tech investment at Singapore conference

Singapore: A senior Maharashtra government delegation used a major technology conference in Singapore to showcase the state's artificial intelligence and startup ecosystem and seek closer ties with investors, technology companies and entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia.

The delegation, comprising Virendra Singh, secretary of Maharashtra's Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Department, and Dr Shrikant Patil, chief executive officer of the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, attended the Tech in Asia conference, which drew more than 1,500 enterprise leaders, AI developers, technology executives, investors and innovators, according to the organisers.

The conference, themed 'Lead the Enterprise AI Era,' focused on the deployment of artificial intelligence in businesses, enterprise transformation and partnerships aimed at taking emerging technologies from experimentation to wider adoption, according to a press statement.


Singh highlighted Maharashtra's technology ecosystem and opportunities for AI-led growth, while stressing the government's role in creating conditions conducive to innovation, investment and technology adoption. He also pointed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' support for strengthening the state's technology and AI ecosystem.

Patil outlined state initiatives aimed at supporting startups and innovators through policy measures, incentives and ecosystem development. He also emphasised greater cooperation between government and industry to help emerging companies scale.

The delegation held discussions with technology companies, investors, entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders on potential collaboration in AI, enterprise technology, startups, innovation and digital transformation.

The delegation attended the Singapore conference at the invitation of Ashrayu Media, the India partner of the event.

"We are glad to have hosted the delegation here in Singapore," Ashrayu Media Chairman Sudhakar Adapa said. He said the visit provided an opportunity to present Maharashtra's technology and innovation ecosystem to an international audience and connect the government with industry, startups and investors. PTI