Tamil Nadu govt signs MoU with Google to establish 'Tamil Nadu AI labs' in Chennai

Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief MK Stalin

The Tamil Nadu government has entered into a strategic partnership with tech giant Google to establish the 'Tamil Nadu AI Labs' in Chennai. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed as part of Chief Minister MK Stalin’s 17-day visit to the United States, aimed at attracting fresh investments and bolstering the state's economy.

Industries Minister Dr. TRB Rajaa enthusiastically introduced the initiative on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Say hello to what I would like to call 'Chenn.ai.' With this partnership, we aim to skill 2 million youngsters in AI via Naan Mudhalvan, collaborate with startups, and enable MSMEs and the rural economy. We want our youth to be a future-ready workforce."

Major Investments Announced

The AI Labs project is just one of several key developments during the Chief Minister’s visit. The Tamil Nadu government signed six MoUs across several high-impact sectors on the first day of the US tour itself. These agreements are expected to bring in Rs 900 crore in investments and create over 4,000 high-quality jobs in the state.

Some of the major investments include:
- Nokia: Establishing a new Research and Development (R&D) centre in Siruseri.
- PayPal: Expanding its AI, Machine Learning, and emerging technologies-focused development centre in Chennai.
- Microchip and Yield Engineering Systems: Collaborating on semiconductor innovation at Coimbatore.
- Applied Materials: Setting up an advanced AI tech centre.
- Infinx: Establishing a new tech centre in Madurai.

Highlighting the significance of these investments, Industries Minister TRB Rajaa said, "We had some very interesting meetings today, and there is a lot more exciting developments in store for Tamil Nadu."

Chief Minister Stalin also visited the headquarters of top tech giants Apple, Google, and Microsoft in San Francisco. Talking about the partnerships in a post on X, he said, "An awe-inspiring visit to the offices of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Discussed various opportunities and exciting partnerships. Determined to strengthen these partnerships and make Tamil Nadu one of the foremost growth engines of Asia!"