Kerala teams up with IBM to host Gen AI conclave at Kochi on July 11-12

The Kerala Government will, in collaboration with IBM, hold a two-day international Gen AI conclave at Kochi from July 11. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will open the event in the presence of several industry leaders.

The event is aimed at advancing AI in Kerala and the rest of India and explore its transformative potential and impact on society and the economy, the State’s Law, Industries & Coir Minister P Rajeeve said.

The conclave will feature a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions including an address by former NASA astronaut and technology executive Steve Lee Smith, who will share insights from his space missions.


The sessions include the innovative Developer "Playground," where attendees can explore the latest advancements in AI technology first-hand. IBM leadership, industry thought leaders, and Indian tech business leaders will share their expertise and vision for the future of AI, the minister told ET.

The IBM watsonx Challenge, a precursor to the conclave, sparked extensive participation and interest in generative AI and identify talented innovators. The global competition encouraged participants to develop solutions based on the UN’s sustainable development goals, such as sustainability, education, healthcare, promoting equality and inclusion, and smart cities and public infrastructure. The most creative solutions, both amongst students and startups, have been selected and will be presented at the conclave, offering participants on-stage recognition and awards, Rajeeve said.

The conclave, the minister added, underscores Kerala's commitment to fostering innovation and embracing transformative technologies. Partnering with IBM, the initiative aims to position Kerala as a hub for Generative AI innovation, catalysing economic growth and driving the state’s vision for Industry 4.0 readiness. The conclave will also showcase the state’s robust ecosystem for investment, supported by world-class IT infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and progressive policies.

The conclave aims to create a forum for business decisions, learning, networking, and partnerships, benefiting a wide range of enterprises, including technology-based startups and MSMEs. The event will also highlight Kerala’s advancements in AI education and research, with numerous institutions offering courses in AI and Robotics, and a state-wide program to train secondary school teachers in AI tools, Rajeeve said.

The Industries Department, the minister added, has reached out to over 200 plus startups in the state with AI related functioning and to the IT/ITeS and MSME units as well to help them further their business interests and gain deeper insights into the latest developments and advancements in the AI segment globally.