Centre of action

India's first AI special economic zone wants to make AI affordable and accessible to everyone

- BY K. SUNIL THOMAS

IT'S NOT IN the Electronics City or the Hitech City. Neither in Gurugram nor in Noida. India's first artificial-intelligence-centric special economic zone is coming up in Nava Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh.

“This initiative will further the visions of Digital India and Make in India,” said Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. “It will generate employment opportunities for youth and bring technological recognition to the state.”

The plan? A dedicated zone on 13 acres specially designed for the development and operation of AI and computer data-related technologies. The SEZ will also host state-of-the-art computer systems and servers that will run AI systems capable of human-like reasoning. The aim is to make it a hub for major global companies as well as Indian startups to carry out their digital operations.

It is the first industrial park completely focused on AI. The government's intent is clear—position the state and its capital as the country's next digital and technological hub by jumping on the AI bandwagon.